Beltangady: Thieves decamp with 19 Teerthankara idols

Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (SP)

Beltangady, Jun 17: Thieves gained entry into Parshwanatha Basadi, also known as Bayalu Basadi in Neriya in the taluk on the night of Saturday June 15, and took away idols of Teerthankaras, apart from the idol of Goddess Padmavati Devi and two golden chains.

The thieves broke open the window on the left side of the Basadi with the help of a strong wooden piece. Out of 24 idols of Teerthankaras found in the Basadi, they took away 19, apart from the idol of Goddess Padmavati. Two golden chains were also taken away.

The thieves are found to have left the aureoles of these idols untouched. The thieves went out by opening the main doors. It seemed to be a job of professional thieves.

The theft came to light when Sankiran Indra, priest of the Basadi, visited the Basadi at 10 am on Sunday.

This Basadi was targeted by thieves about 18 months back. Later, the stolen idols were recovered from some idol thieves arrested from Kadaba in Puttur taluk. Out of the idols presently stolen, the idol of Goddess Padmavati happens to be an ancient one, which used to be worshipped by Bailangady kings.

The finger print experts who were summoned, could not find any clues, it is gathered. Beltangady sub-inspector of police, Yogeesh Kumar, and other personnel, visited the spot and took up investigation.