Nagpur: CCTV cameras at Shitala Mandir and Shiva Mandir temples on Maldhakka road in Itwari caught a thief praying before the deities, apparently seeking mercy, before stealing cash worth Rs7,000 from the donation box.The incident occurred on the night of July 27, under the limits of Lakadganj police station. The thief damaged the cameras after the crime and fled with the loot. Senior Inspector Mukund Kawade said the suspect’s face is clearly visible in the footage salvaged from the damaged CCTVs.As per the complaint filed by the temple priest, Jitendra Pandey, the shrines were closed around 9pm. At 6.30am on July 28, he found the locks of both temple gates broken. He discovered the donation boxes forced open and CCTV cameras damaged. The theft was reported to Lakadganj police station by 11.50am.It appears to be an action of a petty thief who targets shrines that lack security guards, said Kawade, adding that police have zeroed in on a few suspects from the area. A case was registered under relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police are intensifying efforts to nab the suspect.
