Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jul 26: An attempted theft at the main entrance of the Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple was foiled in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, at around 3 am. Miscreants tried to break the lock of the temple’s front gate but fled after being confronted by the on-duty security guard.
The guard, upon noticing the suspicious activity, raised an alarm. The thieves reportedly threatened him with a knife and escaped from the scene. The guard immediately alerted local devotees, who rushed to the temple premises.
Upon checking the CCTV footage, it was confirmed that two individuals were involved in the attempted theft and their escape route was identified. With this information, locals launched a search and managed to apprehend the duo near the Kadiyali petrol pump.
During the escape, one of the thieves collapsed due to a seizure. While the second tried to flee, he too was caught shortly afterward. Locals, noticing the thief’s critical condition, handed him some iron tools believed to have been brought for the theft and administered first aid.
Social worker Nityananda Volakadu reached the scene upon being informed and, with the help of the public, shifted the unconscious accused to the Ajjarkad district hospital for treatment. The other accused was handed over to the police.
Preliminary reports suggest that both individuals are believed to be natives of Kerala. Further investigation is underway.
The alertness and quick action of the temple guard have been widely appreciated by the community.