Chikkaballapur, Karnataka: A theft has been reported at the historic Kambadarayaswamy Temple in Rajaghatta, near Doddaballapur, after unidentified miscreants broke into the temple and stole valuable silver ornaments and a silver idol of the deity.
The incident came to light yesterday when the temple priest Srinivas came to open up the shrine for daily rituals. He noticed evidence of a break-in and immediately contacted local authorities, he said.
According to the preliminary information, the accused opened the temple doors at night and stole the silver crown of Lord Kambadarayaswamy and a silver idol kept within the temple premises. The exact value of the stolen articles has not yet been revealed by the authorities.
The Kambadarayaswamy Temple, located on the outskirts of Rajaghatta village, is an ancient and revered place of worship and has attracted devotees from all around. The theft has shocked devotees and residents who have expressed concern over the safety and security of the temple.
Villagers also voiced concerns about growing anti-social activities in the area around the temple. Local people say the vicinity has witnessed people drinking intoxicants and alcohol during night hours, making the area unsafe after dark.
Residents say they have repeatedly asked for more security around the temple. They have now called on the police to make regular night patrols in and around the temple to prevent further crimes and to keep the temple safe for people and the religious structures.
Police from the Doddaballapur Rural Police Station visited the scene after receiving information about the burglary. Police toured the temple, collected some initial evidence, and have started an investigation to find those responsible.
Investigators will look at CCTV footage from nearby areas if they can and collect forensic evidence from the crime scene. Police will also likely question residents and look at the movements of known offenders in the region.
At the moment, there are no arrests and no suspects have been identified. Anyone who has information about the burglary and who can get in touch with the authorities may come forward and help in the investigation, authorities said.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns about the security of religious institutions, particularly historic temples located in relatively isolated areas. Devotees and villagers hope that the stolen sacred items will be recovered soon and that additional security measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
The investigation is ongoing, and a police statement will be issued when more information is available, the police said.
