Two ‘panchaloha’ idols, together weighing about 100 kg, were missing from a temple near Teppakulam here on Sunday.
Police said that Natarajar Sivakami Temple, maintained by private persons, in Anuppanadi Middle Street was about 100 years old.
About a week ago, special pujas (thirumanchanam) were performed in the temple. The idols of Lord Natarajar and Goddess Sivakami were three feet high each. There were plans to perform kumbabishekam of the temple in about six months and renovation works were on in full swing.
There was no watchman posted or CCTV camera installed in the temple, the police said. However, the owner, Rajamanickam, said that he lived behind the temple and since the locality was thickly populated, he did not feel the need for having a security posted there.
On Saturday night, he had checked the temple locks and gone home. But, when some neighbours found the door lock broken open, they alerted Mr. Rajamanickam. He came to the temple and found the two idols missing. Teppakulam police have registered a case. The local residents said that the temple was famous in the area and many youngsters visited it regularly. Only last week, special pujas were performed for the two idols. A senior police officer said that they had obtained some clues about the people who visited the locality in the early hours of Sunday.
Plans were on to perform kumbabishekam in about six months and renovation works were under way
