Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Jun 1: Nagachala Ayyappa Swami Temple, located near Lord Vinayaka Temple in Kumbhasi near here, was targetted by the thieves supposedly in the wee hours on Sunday, May 31. The value of silver and bronze items stolen by them is put at Rs 2.15 lac.

The thieves entered the temple premises after cutting through the safety metal net provided around the temple precincts. They broke the lock of the sanctum sanctorum and took away a bronze idol of the Lord that is used during the processions, silver covering of the Lord's pedestal and the lotus seat, pitcher, silver plate and two silver oil lamps. Two watchmen have been entrusted with providing security to the temple. It is said, the incident occurred after the policemen on the beet visited the premises after midnight.

The thieves had initially broken open a steel cupboard where they found papers and records and therefore, left the other cupboard untouched.  District superintendent of police Pravin Madhukar Pawar, deputy superintendent of police Shashidhar, circle inspector Chandrashekhar and other policemen rushed to the spot. Sniffer dogs were pressed into service and finger print experts visited the temple.

Temple manager Nagaraj Sherugar has registered a case in Kundapur police station regarding the theft.