Inchara Udupi
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Aug 30: Thieves broke into the historical Mahatobhara Siddhivinayak Temple at Udyavar here and looted an ancient idol and offering boxes on Thursday August 29.

The thieves entered the temple by breaking the door, after which they entered the sanctum sanctorum and took away the idol of Lord Ganapati, Abhisheka Shanka and offering boxes.

They then entered Kalkuda Daivastana and took away offering boxes after which they looted the offering box at the Ayyappa Swami Mandir.

It is suspected that the theft might have taken place between 8 pm on August 28 and 5 am on August 29.

Kaup circle inspector Shivanand Valekar, Kaup inspector Archana K visited the spot along with a canine squad and finger print experts. The case is been investigated based on the complaint filed by Chakrapaani Bhat.

Ancient Utsav Idol

The ancient utsav idol (taken during processions on festive occasions) at Siddhivinayak temple is said to have a historical importance of 1,200 years and is completely made out of copper.

Three attempts had been previously made to loot from Siddhivinayak temple. In one attempt, thieves had taken away the Utsav idol but had thrown it in the nearby forest. It is still not known whether the same thieves committed this theft.