The recurring thefts in temples around Goa are a worrying trend which is frustrating for the devotees and temple authorities, while the police are at their wit's end to find an answer to the common occurrence of these incidents.
The late Friday night theft of silver worth Rs 4 lakh from the Vitthal Temple in Sanguem, and the one at Bodgeshwar Temple in Mapusa where cash of around Rs 12 lakh was stolen, nine days ago, are two incidents that may have links to a common gang, say sources.
The police said it was too early to say that a common gang is behind it. However, they were looking at a solid lead to confirm this fact.
In Sanguem, CCTV footage shows two thieves were captured on CCTV camera, which might help the police identify them.
In the Bodgeshwar incident, the temple authorities paid the price for not clearing cash every eight days as instructed by the police. Also, the security guard, who was overpowered by the thieves, was not adequately prepared to handle the situation.
This wave of temple thefts has sparked concerns about the vulnerability of all places of worship, prompting calls for increased security across the board.
In the Sanguem incident, Dattaprasad Sangekar, a resident living next to the Vitthal Temple, heard noises and rushed outside. He spotted two unidentified figures carrying something away from the temple.
As he and others tried to chase the thieves, the latter fought back by hurling stones at them. Forced to take cover, they returned to the temple only to discover the temple doors and the sanctum sanctorum (innermost shrine) had been broken open.
The police used a sniffer dog to track the thieves. The villagers, too, combed the area, but it wasn't of any help as the thieves had left without a trace.
To the utter luck of the temple authorities or the intervention of Lord Vitthal, the thieves left the temple's fund box and a safe untouched.
Narayan Masurkar, a member of the temple committee, revealed that the safe contained a collection of silver idols and other religious items valued at approximately Rs 8 lakh, all used during religious ceremonies.
This wave of temple thefts has sparked concerns about the vulnerability of all places of worship, prompting calls for increased security across the board.
The incidents have once again cast the spotlight on the need to review and strengthen security measures in religious institutions.