Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, May 18: A priest was arrested in connection with the thefts which occurred at Saibaba Mandir in Kambalakatta near Malpe, and Raghavendra Mandir.

Silver armour of a palanquin used for processions belonging to Shirdi Saibaba Mandir, and three silver pitchers fitted to the palanquin, had gone missing about three months ago. Although the governing council of the prayer centre developed suspicion about the involvement of the priest, the members of the council did not favour registration of complaint, as puja rituals would have been affected. About week back, silver footwear of Raghavendra Mandir went missing.

Realizing that keeping mum longer may spell more trouble, the governing council of these two temples filed a police complaint in the local station. The policemen took Pravin Tantri (33), functioning as priest of both these centres, into custody. Upon grilling him, they came to know from Tantri that he had stolen these items. He reportedly confessed that the stolen silver items belonging to Saibaba Mandir have been melted and converted into silver slabs. The policemen, who have registered cases against Tantri, are continuing with their investigation.