Daijiworld News Network - Beltangady (VM)

Beltangady, Jun 4: It was in April 2006 that the temple priest of Shri Mahalingeshwar Temple of Venoor was arrested on charges of stealing the alms box of the temple. The same priest Surya Narayan Rao on Saturday June 4 was caught red handed by the police while transporting tiger skins illegally.

The temple priest who already has around 20 police cases registered against him has now been caught in a new case.

Based on reliable tip-off the police team led by Venoor SI Nagesh intercepted Suryanarayan near Karimanelu. On finding the tiger skin, he was arrested and the bike on which he was riding and the tiger skin was confiscated. He will be produced before the court on Monday.

Surya Narayan Rao alias Surya Bhat is the son of K Gopal Asranna, a resident of Karimanelu here.

Although Surya Narayan is a temple priest by profession, stealing is his hobby. During the annual festivities of the temple in April, he was arrested for stealing the alms boxes. He was awarded 15 days of judicial custody and was later released on bail.

On Saturday, Surya Narayan was said to be carrying the tiger skin to be handed over to a broker in Moodbidri.

Earlier Report

Beltangady: Temple Priest Accused of Stealing Alms Box from Venoor Temple