Siddarth Sangariya
The Parappana Agrahara police have arrested a Notorious temple thief and recovered gold and silver ornaments worth about Rs.10 lakh in connection with a series of thefts at temples in the area.
The arrested accused has been identified as Venkatesh alias Murugesh (45),a resident of Anekal’s Kommasandra.
Police recovered 23 grams of gold ornaments and 2 kg 600 grams of silver articles from his possession.
Senior officer told reporters that the theft occurred at a temple located in Singasandra under the Parappana Agrahara police station limits.
The temple priest had locked the temple and gone home on the night of January 5.When he returned the next morning,he found the front door broken open.
Upon inspection,it was discovered that a hundi and gold and silver ornaments kept on the idol,including a gold mangalsutra,rings and silver decorations,had been stolen.
Based on a complaint lodged by the temple authorities, Parappana Agrahara police registered a case and launched an investigation.
Acting on credible information,the police apprehended the accused on January 6 near the Singasandra Ganesh Temple.
During interrogation,the accused allegedly confessed to committing the thefts by breaking open temple doors at night using iron rods and stealing gold and silver ornaments.
He also admitted to selling some of the stolen articles through his acquaintances and using the money for personal expenses.
Based on information provided by the accused,police recovered 23 grams of gold ornaments and 2.6 kgs of silver articles from his associates.
Police said the arrest has led to the detection of three temple theft cases—two under the Parappana Agrahara police station limits and one under the Bagalagunte police station limits.
