Balasore, Mar 24: Several unidentified miscreants allegedly decamped with cash and valuables including a gold crown worth lakhs of rupees from the Shaani and Kali temples in Podasul area under the Nilagiri police station limits of Balasore district.
In the morning, the temple priest spotted the theft when he arrived to perform his daily rituals. He quickly notified the local community about the loot and alerted the police.
According to locals, thieves broke the donation boxes of both the temples and looted cash estimated between Rs 1.5 to 2 lakhs. In addition, a gold crown and other ornaments were stolen. The Shani Temple, located about a kilometer away, was also targeted.
Being informed, Nilagiri police reached the spot and started investigation into the incident, though they have yet to release any further details.
The frequency of these temple thefts is raising alarm among locals, who are hoping for swift action to bring the culprits to justice.
