Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Aug 20: Sri Parshwanath Basadi in Kajekar within the limits of Badagakajekar village in the taluk became witness to a theft on the night of Monday August 18.

Two pairs of brass Gaggara, brass bell, a golden Karimani chain placed on the idol of Goddess Padmavathi, a gold chain placed on the statue of the bull and some other brass items were found to have been stolen. The total value of items so stolen has been estimated at Rs 50,000.

This Basadi is managed by the lineage of Kakyapadavu Ratnakumar Ariga from Uli village.

Traditionally, Bhandara from this Basadi is led to Sri Brahmabaidarkala Garody of Pandavarakallu during the annual Nemotsava. It is felt that the main target of the thieves was this Bhandara, which comprises of gold and silver ornaments among others, but the thieves could not succeed in their plan as these items had been safely kept elsewhere.

Since sometime, pujas were not being performed at this Basadi regularly. A local named Narayan Belandur noticed the theft when he reached the Basadi on Tuesday morning as usual. The thieves were found to have broken locks of seven rooms. This Basadi had come under attack of thieves four times in the past, but these theft attempts had not succeeded in getting anything worthwhile.

Sniffer dogs were summoned. Deputy Superintendent of Police Rashmi Paraddi, Bentangady police circle inspector Lingappa Poojary and Punjalakatte station house officer Latankumar visited the spot and began investigation.