Bhubaneswar: A series of thefts at three temples in the Patia area of Bhubaneswar has triggered concern among residents after miscreants allegedly decamped with gold and silver ornaments worth lakhs of rupees, along with cash, police sources said on Friday.
The incidents occurred late Thursday night at Kanaka Durga Temple, Nilakantheswar Temple and Shikharchandi Temple.
According to sources, unidentified miscreants broke open locks and targeted valuables at the temples. At the Kanaka Durga Temple, the accused allegedly stole a gold idol of the deity, a silver throne, ornaments including the deity’s tika and nose ring, and cash after breaking open the donation box (hundi).
The theft came to light early Friday morning when the priest arrived to perform daily rituals and found the temple locks broken. The temple authorities subsequently informed the police, and a complaint was lodged at the Infocity Police Station by the temple trust board.
Similar thefts were reported from the Nilakantheswar Temple and Shikharchandi Temple, where gold and silver ornaments and cash from donation boxes were also stolen.
Preliminary investigation, aided by CCTV footage, indicates the involvement of four miscreants in the coordinated thefts, sources said. Police have launched an investigation and are examining the footage to identify and apprehend the accused.
