Latest


Mangalore: Temple Idol worth Rs 20 Lac Stolen - Three including Priest Held

  •   Wed, Sep 29 2010 03:01:51 PM

Mangalore: Temple Idol worth Rs 20 Lac Stolen - Three including Priest Held

Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VA)

Mangalore, Sep 29: The Mulky police under the leadership of police inspector Shivaprakash R Naik have arrested a group of miscreants who were trying to sell a Panchaloha idol approximately worth Rs 20 lac which was stolen from a temple in Theerthahalli in Shimoga district. The police arrested three culprits in Haleyangadi, here and seized the expensive idol from them.

Addressing the press conference on Wednesday September 29, city police commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh informed that Kaup resident Raghavendra Bhat, Talipadi Manjunath and Theerthahalli taluk’s Heggaru resident Ramachandra Bhat were the arrested. He also said that the other involved in the case, Ravi, Sandeep and Dinesh were absconding.











On receiving the information that two persons were trying to sell a rare and expensive idol at Haleyangadi, the Mulky police investigated on the matter and took Raghavendra Bhat and Manjunath into custody and seized the Panchaloha idol of Lord Laxminarasimha from the duo. On further inquiries the culprits revealed that they stole the idol from Laxminarasimha temple in connivance with the temple priest Ramachandra Bhat, Raghavendra and Ravi. They also said that in place of the stolen idol they had replaced a duplicate one.

Recently there was a special puja for the idol in the temple. The thousands of devotees who had gathered on the occasion did not suspect that it was not the original one. Hence the thieves thought no one would ever doubt them. According to historical scriptures available on the temple, the idol is 300 years old and weighs 5.5 kgs with a height of around 11 inches including the seat.
  

Top Stories

Comment on this article

  • Felix F., India/Ksa

    Fri, Oct 01 2010

    Please respect God, dont say God could not save himself. God is not in the Idol. No one knows what - who or where God is. Respect God - thats all.

    Kumar, Rajshekar you need to ask Gods forgivennes for your remarks

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • sunil, kasaragod

    Thu, Sep 30 2010

    Heartly congratulations..!! I would like to use this opportunity to appreciate D.K police team.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • William Gonsalves, Madanthyar/Doha, Qatar

    Thu, Sep 30 2010

    I agree with Ahok Bhat & Arjun view point. Trustee's ( which controls most of the temples) must look after the priest by giving enough money on monthly basis to priest so that they can lead a moderate lift & became an example for others.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • anis ahmed, mangalore/dubai/agc

    Thu, Sep 30 2010

    Great job done by mulki police team,

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Lavina Pinto , Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 30 2010

    Police Dept should catch the big thief i.e. politicians who accumulated huge money with illegal acts in the bank accounts. Felt pity to see the theives, they have not killed anyone only for the sake of survival they have done this. Please help the poor temple priests wherever they are.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Harold D'cunha, Mangalore, India

    Thu, Sep 30 2010

    Dear Ashok Bhat Mangalore I fully agree with your point of view and my views expressed are complementing yours.
    Upliftment of the aggrieved party in our community is no body cares. Everybody is so concerned about themselves. If the temple trustee's would have taken care of the priests, then might be, all these duplicate/corrupt Swami would have been much, much less or would not have existed. These honest priests and their children would have served the community with dedication. . It was only Maharajas’ used to take care of their temple priests. High time for all the trustees to act immediately and take care of their own folks first. This is my opinion from the social, economic point of view.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Joseph Barrows, GANGULI / KSA

    Thu, Sep 30 2010

    Shahnawaz Dubai,
    You have replied very well to our friend Kumar in Saudi Arabia! but, I would say your 'point of view' in a slightly different way, It is not, "God Fulfils wishes of everyone including the Thief or so" "God is Just and never tolerates injustice and Sin" He always makes sure 'Truth and justice previal'! he is not giving everything you & I ask or Pray! Instead, "GOD DOES EVERYTHING FOR HIS GLORY" but we fail to understnad this and in our lack of faith in God, fail to give Glory Due to his Holy Name! If we sit and think spiritually, whatever happening around us is for GOD's Glory!!! The answer for 'How and why' depends upon indiviuals' closeness with God, Spiritually!!!

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Uday Kulal, Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 30 2010

    @ Ashok. I completely agree with you.
    In Mangaore, we see every other day, one or the other temple will be renovating or getting constructed.. or some major poojas happening like Bramha Kalasha. And the Money spent for these things will be on LacHs or crores. Had we spent this money on the needy things like social developments, our Mangalore would have improved much better than what it is now. I hope the coming generation will think about it.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • ravi kumar, mulki

    Wed, Sep 29 2010

    i would like to congrats mulki police team good job.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Joel, Sydney/ Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 29 2010

    I dont think its a big sin to steal any thin from these places the amount the priests pocket from religious places from poor people in the name of Donation compared to that wat these people have done is nothing i wish they were not caught... after all its the poor peoples money where in the Priests fool the people in the name of Religion and ask for Donation Does'nt matter if its a church Temple or Mosque...

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Alwyn, Mangalore - USA

    Wed, Sep 29 2010

    The authorities did very good job by arresting the culprit. Now, let us think why this is happening? It may be because of low income or some commitments like medical care, marriages or other responsibilities. Second major thing is sort of blind religious belief. Some time due to astrologist advice these people may do such crimes. Third factor which is most of us think that they are culprits and must be punished.
    In India most of the people like to keep the religious monuments as their prestige and show up. Some people will do such mischief things in their life because of public’s interest. The government must ban selling of these things in public and who wants to sell must obtain a permit or license.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • shahnawaz, dubai

    Wed, Sep 29 2010

    "Mr.Kumar, god fulfills wishes of everyone. Including the thief. When a thief prays inside the temple for the success in his work of theft, god grants his wish."
    what an absurd comment this is, if it is like this then who is the sinner theif or the god.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Kemmennu

    Wed, Sep 29 2010

    Votes are sought in the name of GOD.
    When achieved they rob and sell their GOD.
    Jai Ho BJP!!!

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincent Fernandes, Udupi

    Wed, Sep 29 2010

    It is sad the ancient idol was removed from the place of its installation (which is a sin) along with the seemingly rare 'tamra shasana' (copper plate) of the temple. I trust the Archeological Survey of India officials take possession of the items and reinstall them with necessary purification rutual. They can issue a receipt with photograph as evidence for the court. ASI has been taking pains to professionally renovate the temples in that ara (Shivamoga surroundings), some of them are so magnifieient and include statues and carvings (thank God their of solid rock and not easily movable). Also in Shivamoga, the Bednuru Nayaka, Sivappa's palace has a museum with rare artefacts.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Ashok Bhat, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 29 2010

    Dear Arjun, your replies are excellent. In Geetha Sri Krishna explained that Yada yada he dharmsya Glaneer Bhavathi Bharath. Abhudanma Dharmsya Sambhavami Yuge Yuge.. In way every religion is sending the same message in one or other way. Only the problem with us in praticeing and implementing in our life. In some of the temple wealth is accumulated and story of greed/selfishness starts from here. Some time back I have read that one of priest of Tirupati temple pledged the goldren ornaments for conducting his daughter's marriage. He is also caught and imprisioned. There is social responsibilities on the priest to do his daughter marriage and he might not have enough money to bear this expenses. Are these temple priests are paid to lead their life honestly in the society ? Certianly not. Then what actully these priest has to do ? Please note that I have not justify the theft done by the priest. My father working for a temple in very low carde like a sweeper in the any of offices. No salary, we use to live with dana/dakshina given during religious performence. For this religious people/society having/spending crores of ruppes. For any social cause, uplifement of any one no one have money. If temple is florishes with money/gold, trustee will plan for Golden Chariot, Vajra Mukuta, Brahma Kalasa, investing kalyna mantapa, etc...If any one would like to public debate, I will welcome. I have gone through all the process of difficulties in the life. Sarve Janah Sukheno Bhavantu.......

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Vedant, mangalore

    Wed, Sep 29 2010

    Very good points from Suresh and Arjun. Dharma cannot be stolen, it is fundamental and existed since the beginning of time. Kumar's comment was to instigate and he is not a dharmi. There is no concept of saving for the Hindu's. Swarga and Narak are two sides of the same coin, similar to cause and effect. We are not born sinners that need to be saved. Our belief lies in eternal dharma or undying dharma or sanathana dharma.
    I do not see any true Hindu get upset about an idol being stolen. It hurt our sentiments as robbing is a violation and exposure of greed. But it is too insignificant when compared to the dharma at large.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Harold D'cunah, Mangalore, India

    Wed, Sep 29 2010

    Here we condemn the temple priest who was part of this robbery team. If the temple authorities have taken care of his needs in a better way, do u think he would have done this.
    Honestly, are we taking care our own staff, our sub ordinates, our workers? We treat them many times worst than pet animals. This is sad but true.
    There might be a honest reason why the temple priest might have robbed this statue. No body will rob his own house unless the situation is beyond one's control.
    Here I am not endorsing the wrong act of the temple priest. But expressing my opinion what might have lead this priest to do this shameful act.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Antony Fernandes, USA / Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 29 2010

    Very intelligent, smart and so on thieves. They know how to fool god by replacing with a duplicate idol. Poor devotees are not that much smart, they were worshipping the duplicate god over there. This case came to light because of real and faithful person to god informed the police. How many more may not be known to anyone?

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • William Pais, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 29 2010

    God does come to one's rescue. But by Stealing Him they were totally wrong.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Arjun, mangalore

    Wed, Sep 29 2010

    GOD created us OR We Created GOD? Our God is helpless here and he cannot save himself then how can he save us? Kumar

    Mr. Kumar - I am not sure where you are coming from but your concept of God is very funny. They stole an idol and not God and that is if you consider God sitting in some place creating and watching us humans. Think of it this way, even if this idol was stolen and sold to say the west or east, is "god" truly lost?. He is still around and even if melted one cannot say that it is lost. The ultimate question being "lost from what?".
    So my friend, Hindu dharma has been robbed several times and it is disappointing, but it is the largess of people that still keeps the dharma going.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • suresh, haleangadi / mumbai

    Wed, Sep 29 2010

    Mr.Kumar, god fulfills wishes of everyone. Including the thief. When a thief prays inside the temple for the success in his work of theft, god grants his wish.At the same time when a police personnel prays at the same temple for catching the thief, even his wish is fulfilled. In short god fufills everyones wish.
    Its upto us what we are asking from god? whether its good wish or bad wish.
    So dont doubt the presence or power of god.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Abubaker Pallipadi, Pallipadi / Riyadh

    Wed, Sep 29 2010

    Someobody fighting for worship places and somebody stealing god's Idol from same worship places. Yeh hai Mera India........!!!

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • simon madtha, bahrain

    Wed, Sep 29 2010

    Poojariye kallandare devare yenu namma gathi??

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • ASHOK, bantakal/dubai

    Wed, Sep 29 2010

    A perfect example for the kannada Gaade " Beli ye yeddu hola meydanthe"

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Deshpremi, Mumbai

    Wed, Sep 29 2010

    Shame on the religius Leaders who have not been able to inculcate Moral.Ethical Values into the minds of the Brahmin Community

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • kumar, udupi/Khobar

    Wed, Sep 29 2010

    GOD created us OR We Created GOD? Our God is helpless here and he cannot save himself then how can he save us?

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • S.S. Venur, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 29 2010

    Beli ye yeddu hola maidede. Where is this VHP, BD, Ram Sene People ?

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • pooja, udupi

    Wed, Sep 29 2010

    God price worth rupees 20 lac jago india jago.........

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • rajshekar, Abu dbhabi/kaup

    Wed, Sep 29 2010

    This God could not save itself from culprits,how it will protect his devotees?thousands of devotees couldnt recogonise the idol was original or duplicate?my dear people please awake before it is too late?

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • munna, Bangalore

    Wed, Sep 29 2010

    Money is GOD.... thats what these people are proving...?

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse


Leave a Comment

Title: Mangalore: Temple Idol worth Rs 20 Lac Stolen - Three including Priest Held



You have 2000 characters left.

Disclaimer:

Please write your correct name and email address. Kindly do not post any personal, abusive, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent, discriminatory or unlawful or similar comments. Daijiworld.com will not be responsible for any defamatory message posted under this article.

Please note that sending false messages to insult, defame, intimidate, mislead or deceive people or to intentionally cause public disorder is punishable under law. It is obligatory on Daijiworld to provide the IP address and other details of senders of such comments, to the authority concerned upon request.

Hence, sending offensive comments using daijiworld will be purely at your own risk, and in no way will Daijiworld.com be held responsible.

You might also like