Bhagalpur: Nearly 24kg of silver, including an 11kg idol of Goddess Kali, two silver crowns weighing around 5kg and several other ornaments, were stolen from a temple at Shahpur village under Nathnagar police station in Bhagalpur district in the early hours of Monday. CCTV footage showed the accused entering the temple premises around 2.45am.The theft came to light when the temple priest arrived in the morning and found the locks broken. On entering the shrine, he discovered that the silver idol and ornaments were missing. He immediately informed local residents and members of the temple committee, who alerted the police.According to CCTV footage, the accused first tried to break open the main gate. When he failed, he climbed over the wall through a balcony, entered the temple and fled with the valuables. Footage from a nearby house also showed a green CNG auto, leading to suspicion that it was used in the crime.Additional police station incharge Naeem Ahmed said teams from Nathnagar police station, the district intelligence unit, the forensic science laboratory and the dog squad were investigating the case. Police are examining CCTV footage and questioning local residents and suspects. Villagers condemned the theft and demanded swift action against those involved.
Police personnel outside the temple after the theft on Monday
