In a big deal, Harugeri Police in Belagavi district in Karnataka arrested four men who are alleged to have been involved in a series of thefts targeting temples and a dargah throughout Athani and Raybag taluks. Police have recovered gold ornaments and silver articles worth about ₹25 lakh from the accused.
The arrests were made after investigators followed the suspects who were trying to sell the stolen valuables. The operation was carried out with Harugeri PSI Malappa Poojari as the lead.
Seven Religious Places Targeted
The accused committed thefts in seven places where there are six temples and one dargah, police said.
The places targeted include:
Hanuman Temple
Lakshmi Temple
Beereshwar Temple
Ranamma Devi Temple
Siddaraya Temple
Amba Bhavani Temple
Masaraguppi Dargah
The thefts had been worrying devotees and residents, and a high-level investigation was launched.
Four Accused Arrested
The arrested accused are residents of Adalahatti village in Athani taluk.
Vijay Gudadinni
Kalmesh Murabatti
Shivanand Chikkatti
Sangamesh Ainapur
Police believe that the group specifically targeted religious institutions at night when they were empty.
₹25 Lakh worth of Valuables Recovered
During the investigation, police recovered:
Gold ornaments
Silver articles
Other valuables were stolen from temples and the dargah
The recovered property is estimated to be about ₹25 lakh.
The recovery was possible after the accused tried to dispose of the stolen items in the market, which alerted investigators.
Investigation Continues
Police are now investigating the accused for other cases of theft in neighboring districts. They are also investigating if the gang had links to receivers who buy stolen gold and silver ornaments.
There is further interrogation to be conducted, and more recoveries or arrests are not ruled out.
