Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur

Kundapur, Sep 22: Police have arrested an accused in connection with the theft of gold ornaments valued at Rs 21 lac, which were dedicated to the deity at the Goddess Sri Mahankali Ammanavara Temple in Gangolli Khaarvikeri.

The accused, Narasimha Bhat (43) from Mooragar village in Sirsi taluk, was serving as a priest at the temple.

The temple's management and devotees regularly adorned the deity's idol with gold ornaments as part of their offerings. On the evening of September 21, while performing rituals, the accused requested the gold ornaments for cleaning in preparation for the upcoming Navaratri festival. Upon inspection, it became clear that the ornaments were not the same as those previously used and did not appear to be genuine gold. The accused later confessed to having taken the original gold ornaments for personal use.

The stolen items include a gold necklace weighing 40 grams valued at Rs 3.20 lac, a gold coin thali valued at Rs 5.84 lac weighing 73 grams, a gold karimani necklace valued at Rs 5.84 lac weighing 73 grams, a gold necklace valued at Rs 5.12 lac weighing 64 grams, three gold thalis weighing 6 grams valued at Rs 48,000, and a gold chain valued at Rs 64,000 weighing 8 grams, totaling 264 grams (33 sovereigns) worth Rs 21.12 lac.

To avoid suspicion from the temple management and devotees, the accused placed fake gold ornaments on the deity's idol.

Sources indicate that the stolen gold ornaments have been pawned at various banks. The accused had been appointed as a priest at the Sri Mahakali Temple since May 16, receiving a monthly salary and accommodation.

Gangolli PSI Harish R and his team apprehended the accused, and further investigations are on.