EditorialNews in IndiaNews Outside IndiaPanchajanyaDivine MusicNew book Releasesdigitized bookspanchangam108 Holy LandsSacred Templeschildren's sectionInterviewsArchives

RS. 1.5 CRORE WORTH JEWELLERY STOLEN FROM MELKOTE TEMPLE

http://www.starofmysore.com/main.asp?type=news&item=153732
security guards absconding

Mandya, January. 5th 2008(NKP&MRS)- The district administration was shocked this morning when the theft of gold jewellery worth Rs. 1.5 crore at the temple in the famous shrine Melkote came to light. Police sources said the theft might have taken place between 3 am and 4 am in the early hours of today at Yoganarasimhaswamy Temple located atop the hill. The shrine is famous for Cheluvanarayanaswamy temple at the foot of the hill.

It is difficult to break the iron doors of the temple. The Police suspect that two security guards, who were on duty inside the temple premises, might have opened the doors to facilitate the theft. The Police suspect the total involvement of the guards in the crime as both of them are absconding since this morning. The priests who came to the temple to commence special rituals at 6 am as it is Saturday were shocked to find the jewellery missing and the absence of the guards. They immediately contacted Pandavapura Police and Revenue Authorities.

The gold articles that have been stolen include diamond-studded crown, Shankha Chakra, necklace and gold waist belt. Pandavapura Circle Inspector Siddalingappa rushed to the spot along with finger print experts and sniffer dogs. Assistant Commissioner Purnima, Tahasildar Shylaja and Temple Administrative officer Poovaiah also visited the spot. Melkote is about 25 kms from Pandavapura in Mandya district.

The Lord is the proprietor of the whole universe. Yet people try to steal it from Him.