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Historic Idol Stolen from 200-Year-Old Bihar Temple
12 Jul
Summary
- Nearly 150-year-old Ashtadhatu idol of Lord Ram was stolen.
- Thieves also took brass idols, ornaments, and cash donations.
- The 200-year-old temple's security cameras had been non-operational.
A significant theft transpired at the historic 24 Avatar Dham of Chakoti Muth in Samastipur district, Bihar, sparking anger among devotees. The incident, which took place late Saturday night at the 200-year-old temple, involved the alleged theft of a nearly 150-year-old Ashtadhatu idol of Lord Ram. Also stolen were four brass idols of Goddess Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman, and Laddu Gopal, in addition to valuable gold and silver ornaments and cash from donation boxes.
The discovery was made early Sunday morning by Mahant Ramsevak Das Shastri when he arrived to open the temple for daily rituals. He found donation boxes scattered, a grill open, and the sanctum sanctorum unlocked. The Mahant reported that the temple was securely locked the previous evening. Police were immediately notified, and an investigation is underway, with a forensic team also called to the scene.
Authorities are examining all angles and questioning individuals associated with the temple. The stolen items include a gold-plated bow and arrow, an umbrella, a silver crown, and other ornaments. Notably, the CCTV cameras installed on the temple premises had not been functioning for several weeks prior to the theft. The Chakoti Muth, established approximately 200 years ago, is a significant religious center in the region.
