Mangaluru: Surathkal police have arrested two persons in connection with the theft of daiva idols and valuables from a locked house within the Surathkal police station limits. The arrests follow an investigation into a burglary reported in late December 2025, in which idols and pooja-related articles worth about ₹1 lakh were stolen from a vacant house.

Theft from vacant house reported

According to the police, the complaint was filed by Amitha (43), a resident of Kulai, who stated that the house belonged to her mother and was not occupied on a regular basis. The family would visit the house only to perform pooja and light lamps, after which the premises would be locked before leaving.

The complainant alleged that on the night of December 26, 2025, unidentified persons removed roof tiles to gain entry into the house. The intruders allegedly targeted religious idols and valuables kept inside, stealing several items before fleeing the scene unnoticed.

Valuables and religious idols stolen

The stolen property included a copper idol of Pasappa Daiva, a silver idol of Mantradevata, copper idols of Kallurti Panjurli Daiva, a silver sword (khadga), copper bells, copper vessels and an LED television. The total value of the stolen items was estimated at around ₹1 lakh at the time of the complaint.

Given the religious significance of the idols and the sentimental value attached to them, the theft caused distress to the family and local residents, prompting swift action by the police.

Case registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

Based on the complaint, Surathkal police registered a case on December 27, 2025, under Sections 331(4) and 305(A) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These sections relate to house-breaking and theft, among other offences.

Police officials stated that the investigation involved a detailed examination of the crime scene, collection of technical evidence and scrutiny of CCTV footage from nearby locations to identify the suspects involved in the offence.

Accused identified through technical evidence

During the course of the investigation, police zeroed in on Wajeed J alias Waji (27), a resident of Bajpe who was currently staying in Surathkal. CCTV footage and other technical inputs helped establish his involvement in the theft.

After his arrest, Wajeed was interrogated by the police, during which he reportedly confessed to committing the theft. He also disclosed that the brass and copper articles stolen from the house had been sold to another individual.

Second accused arrested, property recovered

Based on the information provided by Wajeed, police arrested Syed Ali (40), a resident of Jokatte, on January 27. He was accused of purchasing the stolen brass and copper articles, knowing them to be stolen property.

Following the arrests, police recovered stolen property worth approximately ₹1.95 lakh. The recovered items included a silver Mantradevata idol, an umbrella, a sword, brass pooja items worth ₹2,750, copper pooja items worth ₹300, an LED television and a set-top box worth ₹2,000.

Police also seized two mobile phones used by the accused during the commission of the crime, as well as a scooter worth ₹30,000 that had been stolen from the Kavoor police station limits in a separate case.

Criminal background of prime accused

Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH stated that the prime accused, Wajeed, is a known offender with a ‘B’ rowdy sheet and a history of criminal activities. A mobile offender book (MOB) has been opened against him at the Surathkal police station.

He is reportedly involved in multiple criminal cases across Mangaluru City, Udupi, Uttara Kannada and Hassan districts. These include cases related to attempt to murder, robbery, cattle theft, house theft and vehicle theft. Police further revealed that Wajeed had earlier absconded without appearing before the court, following which a warrant had been issued against him.

Accused remanded to judicial custody

Both Wajeed and Syed Ali were produced before a court on January 28. The court remanded them to judicial custody as further investigation into the case continues.

Police officials said efforts are ongoing to verify whether the accused are linked to similar thefts in the region, particularly those involving religious idols and valuables from unoccupied houses.

Conclusion

The arrest of the two accused and recovery of stolen property has brought relief to the complainant and local residents. Police have once again urged homeowners, especially those with vacant or rarely used houses, to take additional security measures and inform local police stations if properties are left unattended for long periods, to help prevent such incidents in the future.