Probe begins into idol theft

NAGPUR, NOV 26: The police have begun investigations into the theft of antique idols worth lakhs of rupees from the Taka temple at Kondhali...

NAGPUR, NOV 26: The police have begun investigations into the theft of antique idols worth lakhs of rupees from the Taka temple at Kondhali recently. The local Crime Branch has been asked to look into the case.

The Nagpur Rural Police are learnt to have sought the help of intelligence agencies as well as a special unit of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) dealing with theft of antique property to prevent the statues from being smuggled out of the country.

The temple from where the idols were stolen was frequented by Naga sadhus coming from as far as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Two Naga sadhus, who stayed in the temple for two weeks and are missing since the theft came to the notice, are the prime suspects in the case.

For the past 50 years, the temple is being looked after by Mahant Tulsigiri Guru Mahadeo Giri. What has surprised the police further is the fact that Mahant Tulsigiri did not inform the police about the theft and the sudden disappearance of the Naga sadhus until Monday; and only after the villagers insisted upon it, police said.