Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Apr 24: Theft was committed at Sri Rama Mandir located near Yedapadavu Junction within Bajpe police station limits on Monday April 22 night. The stolen amount could be between Rs 45,000 to 80,000, it is believed.

The theft came to light on Tuesday morning. The theft was committed by breaking open the lock of the main door. During the recent Rama Navami festival, lot of devotees had visited the Mandir and the donation boxes were full of contributions made by the devotees, which were yet to be taken out and counted. The police suspect that those who had information that the money in the boxes was yet to be taken out, would have committed this theft.

The thieves did not harm the idols of Lord Rama, Seeta and Laxman. Cash in three donation boxes was taken away. Out of the three CCTV cameras at the Mandir, two were damaged, and the other camera has caught unclear glimpses of the thief as he was wearing a mask. The thief has left behind an iron rod he used to break the lock and empty donation boxes behind the temple. Sniffer dogs and finger print experts also visited the spot.

Bajpe police inspector, Parashiva Murthy, is leading a police team that has undertaken investigation. A case was registered in Bajpe police station in this respect.