Pazhoor temple theft: Two arrested

Tripunithura police have arrested two persons in connection with the burglary committed at the Pazhoor Perumthrikkovil Siva Temple in Piravom.

Those arrested were identified as Unnikrishnan, 50, of Nedumbassery and Mahesh, 32, of Cherthala.

The sanctum sanctorum of the temple was found broken into in the early hours of August 11. Investigations showed that golaka (a gold ornament used in the replica of the idol taken out for procession) along with a rare Gauri-Sankaram locket signifying the union of Lord Shiva and Parvati were missing.

The police recovered Gauri-Sankaram locket, the exact price of which has not been estimated, and Rs. 3000 stolen from the hundial of the temple from the accused. The police are also on the lookout for Shaji, also known as Thorappan Shaji, of Kollam. Shaji and Mahesh have 42 cases of burglaries against them, committed in temples between Kannur and Alappuzha.

The accused have stolen the M-80 motorcycle from Mulanthuruthy, after their attempt to steal an autorickshaw failed. This motorcycle was spotted near the temple premises at the time of crime and this information gave the police the vital lead in cracking the case.

Police sources said that when arrested the accused were planning to burgle Vaikom temple.

The Pazhoor Perumthrikkovil Siva Temple is of historical significance and Pazhoor Padippura is renowned for astrologers.