Five of family involved in 18 temple thefts across Kolar arrested

KOLAR: The Bangarapet police have arrested five members of a family involved in 18 temple thefts across Kolar district and other areas. The arrested individuals are Lokesh (35), Somu (25), Venkatappa (62), Murugesh and Muniyappa (28), all from Kommenahalli village.

The arrests were made after a complaint was filed by Ambubai regarding thefts at the Anjaneyaswami temple in Buramakanhalli and Kaivara Yogi Narayanaswami temple in Chikkavalgamadi. Police Superintendent Shivanshu Rajput led the investigation, and the team tracked down the accused.

On November 8, police stopped the five individuals who were travelling on three bikes from Bhoodikote towards Bangarapet. During questioning, they found a crowbar, and when asked, the individuals couldn’t provide a satisfactory explanation. One of them confessed to the crime, revealing their involvement in temple thefts.

The police seized Rs 31,800 cash, 16 thalis, eight gold balls, three two-wheelers and a crowbar used in the crimes. The accused have confessed to stealing from 18 temples, including in Buralmakanhalli, Chikkavalgamadi, Mittimalhalli, Yalburgi, Doddachinnahalli, Ajapnahalli, Kundarasanhalli, Palamadagu, Dinnuru, Maratahoshalli, Kadukadirenahalli, Gullahalli, Karmanahalli, Alambadi, and Jyothanahalli, all within the Kolar district.

The police believe the gang may have also been involved in similar thefts in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Furhter investigation is under way.