Small temples across the State are becoming easy targets for thieves, who are exploiting the lack of proper security at the shrines to break in and decamp with antique idols, jewellery and cash kept in hundis.
Police said that gangs from Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Bihar, Telangana and other States are striking at temples that are famous and command a large devotee base, but lack proper security.
Antique idols
Valuable ‘Panchaloha’ idols are the prime target of the thieves, as these idols are considered to be antiques and fetch high rates on the black market. ‘Panchaloha’ refers to the alloy of five metals – gold, silver, copper, zinc and iron – used in making the idols.
Apart from the idols, burglars decamp with the ‘Satagopam’, bells, swords, ‘kavacham’, crowns, and jewellery such as ear rings and nose rings used to adorn the deity. The hundis are also emptied.
Specialised gangs
"Due to poor security, thieves are targeting temples mainly in rural areas. The gangs conduct a recce on the temple before they make their move. There are gangs which commit burglaries only at temples," a police officer said.
Investigating officers said that many ancient temples that are located in isolated places in villages do not have any security measures as the temple trust boards or the managements do not have enough resources to provide security.
In some temples, hundis and antique idols are kept open, making it easy for criminals. Some shrines would be opened only during festivals, jataras or during annual rituals, which is when the burglars plan their strike, police said.
"There are no surveillance cameras, alarms or proper electrification at many temples. The priest or the hereditary family entrusted with taking care of the temple locks the doors just like in a house, which makes it easy for thieves to break in. During questioning, the thieves confess to targeting small temples just because of the poor security," said an inspector.
On some occasions, miscreants reportedly caused damage to the temple structures in their quest for ‘hidden treasures’ and there have been cases where they damaged the temple structures believing that gold coins and diamonds are embedded in its walls.
Sensitive issue
"Thefts in temples are a very rude shock for villagers and such cases can lead to law and order problems. The Grama Devata (village deity) occupies a sacred place in villagers’ hearts and is believed to be the harbinger of a good monsoon and a bumper crop as well as the protector of the village. We request the government to respect the sentiments of the people and deploy adequate security at temples," P. Ananda Rao of Kaikaluru in Krishna district told The Hindu .
Thefts at smaller temples were reported from Nellore, East and West Godavari, Guntur, Krishna, Prakasam and other districts in the State in the last few years.
