Home / Crime and Justice / Bhubaneswar Police Bust Major Temple Theft Ring
Bhubaneswar Police Bust Major Temple Theft Ring
21 Jul
Summary
- Three youths arrested in temple theft racket.
- Stolen ornaments recovered from accused in Bhubaneswar.
- The gang targeted at least 15 temples in one week.
The commissionerate police in Bhubaneswar have dismantled a significant temple theft racket, apprehending three young men involved in a series of burglaries across Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The arrested individuals, identified as Bhima Bed, Nitish Singh, and Suresh Singh, are reportedly habitual offenders with a history of temple thefts.
A substantial recovery of stolen deity ornaments, comprising gold and silver items, was made from the accused. These included gold eyes, gold 'chitas', gold ornaments, and numerous silver crowns and chains. The police also seized Rs 19,100 in cash.
According to law enforcement, the gang was highly active, targeting at least 15 temples in the twin cities over the course of the previous week. Notable incidents included the looting of seven temples in Badasamantarapur village on July 15, followed by thefts at Thakurani temple at Belda on July 16, and multiple temples under Tangi police limits on July 18.
The breakthrough in the case occurred during the investigation of a theft at Sri Ramachandra temple in Cuttack on Sunday night. Acting on intelligence, police intercepted the trio in Mundmal Chhak, Cuttack, as they were attempting to sell stolen silver crowns. The accused confessed to their crimes during interrogation.
