Kataka: Chowdwar police under the Bhubaneswar-Kataka Police Commissionerate have cracked a series of temple theft cases with the arrest of three accused and the recovery of a large quantity of stolen gold and silver ornaments of deities along with cash worth Rs 19,100.
The arrested accused have been identified as Bhima Bed, Nitish Singh and Suresh Singh, all residents of Godhibasa village under Sahadevkhunta police station limits in Balasore district.
According to police, the accused confessed to stealing from the Sri Ramachandra Temple at Bhairapur, Mangala Temple and Maa Barsa Baudanga Temple in Nuagaon. During interrogation, they also admitted to their involvement in several other temple thefts across different police station jurisdictions.
Investigators said the gang was involved in thefts at seven temples under Chowdwar police station limits in the Badsamantarapur area, Belda Temple, two temples under 42 Mouza police station, Kanak Durga, Gramadevi and Dhumabati temples under Tangi police limits, as well as Kanak Durga and Nilakantheswar temples under Chandrasekharpur police station in Bhubaneswar.
Police said the accused used to sell honey during the day to avoid suspicion and allegedly carried out thefts from temples during the night. The gang targeted temples in Kataka, Bhubaneswar and other areas, officials said.
Based on information provided by the accused, Choudwar police recovered the stolen valuables that had been concealed near Charbatia Railway Station. The seized articles include a large quantity of gold and silver ornaments used for decorating deities, including crowns, tikas, idol eyes, nose rings, masks and other religious ornaments, besides Rs 19,100 in cash.
Police said the arrests were made following an intelligence-led investigation after multiple complaints of temple burglaries. A special strategy was prepared to identify and track the suspects, leading to the breakthrough.
During questioning, the accused reportedly disclosed that the gang has more than 15 members, including youths and women, who are suspected to have participated in temple thefts across different districts. Police said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the remaining members.
In a statement, Commissionerate Police said the operation led to the detection of a series of temple theft cases and the recovery of a substantial quantity of stolen valuables. Further investigation is in progress to establish the full extent of the gang’s activities and trace other stolen property.
