Thieves broke into the Benimadhab Temple in Gobarghata village under the Jaleswar police limits in Balasore district, Odisha, on late Saturday night. They decamped with gold ornaments worth lakhs of rupees and cash from the temple’s donation box.
The burglary was discovered on Sunday morning when local residents noticed the temple gate and locks had been broken. They immediately informed the Jaleswar Police about the theft.
According to reports, the miscreants broke open the temple’s locks to gain entry. They allegedly stole several gold ornaments adorning the deity and vandalised the donation box before fleeing with the cash stored inside.
Upon receiving the information, police reached the spot and launched an investigation. Efforts are underway to ascertain the exact value of the stolen ornaments and cash. Officers are examining evidence and gathering clues to identify those involved in the crime.
The theft has triggered concern among local residents and devotees. They have demanded swift action to nab the culprits and enhance security at religious institutions in the area.
“I came to know about the theft in the morning,” said Pranab Panda, the temple’s priest. “When I reached the temple, I found several items in disarray and noticed that some of the Lord’s ornaments were missing. I also observed that the temple gate and locks had been broken. Subsequently, I informed the police about the incident.”
This incident is part of a series of temple thefts that have triggered serious concern across the region. Stolen idols from such crimes have reportedly been sold in international markets like Singapore and Hong Kong.
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