Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (SP)

Karkala, Nov 16: The local policemen, on Monday November 15, arrested two persons and recovered idols worth about Rs 20 lac from them. The names of the alleged thieves have been given as Parashuram and Vijayanand, both natives of Harihar.

The policemen said that these two persons used to steal ancient Panchaloha (alloy of five metals) idols as well as gold and silver ornaments from temples, Bhootasthanas, Jain Basadis etc., located in Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts since the last some years.

A four-feet ancient Panchaloha idol of Sri Adinatha Swamy, which was stolen from Hiriyangady Jain Basadi here, a Panchaloha idol belonging to Karvalu Vishnumurty temple in Erlappady village in the taluk, conch with silver covering, a statue belonging to Hiriyadka Garody, and a Panchaloha idol belonging to Brahmavar Mahalingeshwar temple, were recovered from the possession of the thieves. In addition, a Maruti Omni van and a motor bike reportedly used by them for their activities were seized. The accused were produced in the local court on Monday.

Local deputy superintendent of police, Santosh Kumar, and circle police inspector, Puttuswamy Gowda, guided the operation conducted by a team involving town sub-inspector of police, Pramod Kumar P, rural police sub-inspector, Ravi B S and other personnel.