Bhubaneswar, Sept. 7 (UDN): Concerns over the security of temples in Odisha have intensified after miscreants allegedly looted the Jagannath Temple at Nimidhi village under Paradip Lock police station limits, stealing brass idols and silver ornaments valued at more than Rs 5 lakh.
The theft reportedly took place on Sunday night after the miscreants allegedly broke the brass lock of the temple door. The incident came to light on Monday morning when the priest arrived to open the shrine.
Among the valuables reportedly stolen are idols of Radha-Krishna and Lakshmi Narayan, a silver crown, a silver palanquin and other ornaments belonging to the deities. The wooden idol of Lord Jagannath was reportedly left behind.
Police registered a case following a complaint and launched an investigation. Investigators are examining all possible angles, including the suspected involvement of an organised theft gang.
The temple priest reportedly told police that two youths had visited the shrine a few days earlier and invited him to perform a puja at their residence on Janmashtami. The duo had also allegedly taken photographs of the temple. Their possible connection with the theft is being examined as part of the investigation.
Recent Temple Thefts Raise Alarm
The Nimidhi incident comes shortly after temple thefts were reported from different parts of Odisha, raising concerns among devotees and local communities over the security of religious institutions.
On September 5, valuables were allegedly stolen from the ancient Baghua Temple and Uma Ramalingeswar Temple near the old bus stand in Gunupur, Rayagada district. The stolen property reportedly included around 20 grams of gold, more than 4 kg of silver ornaments and cash from the temple hundi.
The miscreants allegedly damaged the CCTV system, cut its wires and removed the hard disk before fleeing with the valuables.
On the same day, a separate theft was reported from the Balianta area of Bhubaneswar, where the idol of Maa Budhi Thakurani was allegedly stolen from a temple during the night.
With several such incidents being reported over the past year, devotees and local residents have voiced concern over the need for stronger security arrangements at temples, particularly at vulnerable shrines.
Residents have urged police to intensify night patrolling and temple committees to install and properly maintain CCTV surveillance systems.
Devotees have also called for coordinated efforts between police, temple authorities and local communities to safeguard religious sites and prevent organised gangs from targeting temples.
The latest Nimidhi theft has once again brought the issue of temple security into focus, with police continuing their probe to identify and apprehend those responsible.