Basadi theft case: Jeweller held in Chhattisgarh, brought to Moodbidri
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore
Mangalore, Aug 6: In connection to the theft at Siddantha Darshan Mandir in Guru Basadi, Moodbidri, police have a jeweller from Durg in Chattisgarh.
The arrested is identified as Subhash Sancheti alias Raja (47). He was arrested by Mangalore police on Sunday August 4.
The accused has been produced in the court and sent to police custody till August 14. He was arrested by the police for purchasing stolen idols from the accused.
Prime accused Santhosh Das who was arrested earlier had sold the idols to Subhash. As per the information given by him, Mangalore police team had reached Chattisgarh.
It is said that Subhash was absconding and was wandering from place to place fearing arrest. Police who were searching for him for 3 days, finally arrested him at Raipur on Sunday.
On Monday, he was brought to Mangalore via flight and later taken to Moodbidri and produced in the court.
Subhash is said to be politically influential in Chattisgarh. His community has reportedly expressed anger over his act. Santosh Das and Subhash were in close contact with each other. Sources said that Subhash used to hide his valuable belongings with support from politicians.
It is said that under the name of A P Anoopchand, Rajaji owns two jewellery stores in Chattisgarh and Raipur and also has partnership in two other jewellery stores.
There is also a possibility of police arresting accused Rajesh Badalkar and bringing him to Moodbidri. He is facing charges of melting stolen jewellery, it is learnt.
Out the stolen idols, 4 were converted into golden biscuits and sold for cash, all of which were seized by the police from Santosh Das’s father-in-law's house at Bhubaneswar.
Swatishree Pandithacharyavarya Swamiji of Jain Math in Moodbidri has lauded the police officials, the elected representatives and the Jain leaders for lending their support in arresting the thieves.
Under the guidance of police commissioner Manish Karbikar, the Mangalore police team led by Moodbidri circle inspector A K Thimayya conducted the investigation. Along with Manish Karbikar, the IGP team has taken charge of the investigation.