Daijiworld Media Network- Beltangady (SN/SP)

Beltangady, Nov 10: Idols and other valuables were stolen from Lakshmi Narayana temple located in Gundmi of Mundaje in the taluk, in the early hours on Sunday November 9.

This ancient temple is presently managed by Kiran Khadilkar. The precious marble idol  of Lord  Lakshmi Narayana, a  silver idol of Lord Ganapati weighing four kilograms, idol made of  panchaloha for the purpose of procession, brass halo, silver plated armour of shiva linga, brass box that contained the idols of  Goddess Devi, Lord Ganapati and Sungod made of marble, were taken away by the thieves.

The thieves, who failed to enter the temple through the main doors as they are always locked from inside, succeeded in breaking-open the locks of rearside door of the temple and also of the sanctum sanctorum. The value of the stolen idols and things is estimated to be around Rs 50 lac. The theft came to light when the priest reached the temple at 5.30 am for morning puja.

In 1870 AD, the Khadilkar family sold arecanut and purchased marble idol from Rajastan and installed it in the temple.

The Beltangady police arrived on the spot and recorded the statements as per the complaint filed by managing trustee of temple Kiran Khadilkar. Investigations are on. Sniffer dogs were brought from Mangalore to the spot to help in the investigations. The dogs lost trail after leading through a pathway upto the rivulet and coming back to the temple.  It is thought that a gang of professional thieves who are well versed the temple and the locking procedures, has committed the crime and that the gang members decamped after the theft in a vehicle.