Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SHS)
With Inputs from Narendra Kerekadu

Mangalore, Aug 1: Thieves broke into the temple of Annappa Swamy located at Permude, Bajpe in the early hours of Friday August 1 and decamped with the precious mask of an ancient idol and gold, altogether worth around Rs 2 crore.

The temple for Annappa Swamy was built by Yadav Kotian, propreitor of Divya Roopa constructions, in front of his house.

File Photo of Annappa Swamy idol

The thieves reportedly broke open the temple's door and took away the mask of the idol and gold. Luckily, the theft was recorded in the CCTV.

It is reported that the mask of the Annappa idol was engraved with diamonds. The thieves who broke into the temple also allegedly took away the gold tongue of the idol and the offering box.

The police along with forensic experts and canine squad rushed to the spot and investigations are on. The police also sought the footage of the CCTV, a prime piece of evidence in the case.

It is learnt that there is an SEZ colony near the crime scene where as many as a thousand people from UP and Jharkhand are living. Locals said many cases of theft and robbery have been reported in the vicinity. The migrants are working under the SEZ contractor Yadav Kotian. The locals suspected the involvement of inter-state thieves in the case.

A case has been registered in the Bajpe police station.