Thieves strike at temple, make off with offerings

The rising cases of theft and snatching have taken a turn, with even religious places falling prey to criminals now.

In a shocking incident on Monday night, thieves targeted the Shiva temple in Ghas Mandi, located in the Basti area, making off with offerings and valuables.

The thieves, who gained entry through the roof, looted the temple’s donation boxes and escaped undetected. The CCTV footages revealed the suspects inside the temple, stealing offerings and passing them to accomplices waiting outside. The theft has sparked outrage among temple committee members and the local residents, who are demanding swift action against those responsible.

Sonu Verma, a member of the temple committee, who first discovered the theft early Tuesday morning, said the temple was locked from inside, and had to be forcibly opened. Upon entering, he found the premises in disarray, with all donation boxes missing. He said through CCTV footages, it was learnt that the thieves had entered through rooftop.

He said four empty donation boxes were later found on the temple’s rooftop, confirming that all offerings, including donations from recent festivals, had been stolen.

“City police must come up with a special drive against these thieves, as such cases are on the rise. Be it temple or our houses, nothing is safe in the city these days”, he added.

Meanwhile, police officials from Division Number 5 said they had taken the CCTV footage in their possession for further inquiry and an investigation was underway.