Two persons, who were attempting to steal a Shivalinga near the Moola Virupaksha temple in Hemakoota hill, adjacent to the Virupaksha temple at the world famous Hampi, were nabbed by Hampi Police in the early hours of Monday.
The two are identified as Nagireddy and Ramanna, residents of Kanekal of neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.
According to police, the two, on seeing the security personnel of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on night patrol, tried to make good their escape. Immediately, the security personnel informed the police and also other security guards. During the combing operations, that commenced immediately, police saw two persons near the ancient Turtha canal. On being enquired, the two admitted to have come to steal the Shivalinga. Meanwhile, another six-member gang, on seeing the developments, fled in the Maruti van.
The two, according to sources, are said to have informed the police that some people, whom they do not know, had asked them to get the Shivalinga for a consideration to which they had agreed.
Hampi police have registered a complaint lodged by the officials of ASI and are investigating. Further details are awaited.
Published - October 20, 2014 05:05 pm IST
