Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Jan 18: The Mulky police have arrested a person who reportedly stole Kateel temple's donation box that was with the fourth Yakshagana Mela of the temple. He has been identified as Yogeesh Gowda (24) from Ujire Guripalla in Beltangady taluk. The police produced him in the court.
It is said that Yogeesh, who used to live in poverty with his parents and siblings at Ujire Guripalla, later did some petty business, before joining the 4th Yakshagana Mela of Kateel temple where he did some errands like cleaning clothes and assisting the artistes. However, because of his tendency to have fun, he used to spend all money for this purpose, it is gathered.
During the last week, Ayyappa devotees had organized a Yakshagana show by this Mela at Kinnigoly. Lured by the prospects of having money to have fun, Yogeesh stole the donation box, and tried to break it open near Ujire, by hiding it in gunny bag. The Mela organizers, who came to know about his deed, went there and handed him over to the police.
It is said that the accused also faces a case of theft that was registered about two months back in Uppinangady station. Now a fresh case of theft stands registered in Mulky police station.