Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jun 30: Thieves who entered the Dharmachavadi Daivasthana at Kurkalu village near here took away cash, gold ornaments and other valuables estimated at seven lac rupees. They entered the building by breaking open the door. The shrine belongs to families belonging to Kurkalu Beedu lineage based in Kurkalu, and the theft occurred on the night of Tuesday June 28.

The silver armour around the chest of the presiding deity of the shrine, Jumadi Daiva, silver mask, golden tongue, silver mask of Panjurli Daiva, face masks of Mahishandaya and Banta Daiva, seven silver swords, and two silver Koochis are among large scale theft of silver items from this prayer centre.

A case about this theft was filed at Shirva police station. The theft came to light when supervisor of the Daivasthana, Krishna Shetty, who had visited the shrine on Tuesday evening, came back on Wednesday morning.

This has been the latest among a series of thefts which occurred at Kaup area. In the recent past, thieves had taken away cash and ornaments from Koragajja Daivasthana at Herur, and Bantakallu Durgaparameshwari Daivasthana. Locals hope that the police will nab the thieves so that they can sleep peacefully at night.