Udupi – In a dramatic turn of events, an attempted theft at the Kadiyali Mahishamardhini Temple in Udupi was thwarted in the early hours of Friday, thanks to the vigilance of the temple guard and prompt action by local residents.
At around 3 am, two thieves tried to break open the gate lock of the temple. When confronted by the guard, the culprits threatened him with a knife and fled the scene. The guard immediately alerted nearby devotees, who quickly gathered and reviewed the CCTV footage, identifying the direction in which the thieves had escaped.
A search party was launched, and the duo was soon found near the Kadiyali petrol pump. In a bizarre twist, one of the thieves collapsed mid-escape, reportedly due to a seizure. His accomplice, who initially attempted to help him, then tried to flee but was swiftly caught by the locals.
Locals administered first aid using the very iron tools the thieves had brought for the break-in. Social worker Nityananda Olkadu, alerted by residents, helped rush the unconscious thief to the Ajjarkadu District Hospital. The second thief was handed over to the police.
Preliminary investigation suggests both individuals hail from Kerala. Devotees are attributing the incident to divine intervention, claiming Goddess Mahishamardhini herself protected the temple by striking down the intruder. The alertness and bravery of the temple guard have also received much appreciation.