Four antique idols that were stolen from Chitraradha Vallabha Perumal temple in Kuruvithurai near here on Saturday night were found abandoned in Dindigul district.
The panchaloha idols, believed to be over 100-years old, were found at Vilampatti, police sources said.
Senior police officials, including Inspector General of Police (South Zone) K. P. Shanmuga Rajeswaran, were rushing to inspect the idols.
The police were yet to identify the culprits who broke into the temple by jumping over the compound wall even as six security men of the village were guarding it.
Footage of closed circuit television camera network in the temple showed two masked men entering the premises.
The idols of Lord Vallabha Perumal, Goddess Sridevi, Goddess Boomadevi and Lord Srinivasa Perumal were stolen.
