Nuapada/Jajpur: Precious idols, jewellery and donation boxes were looted from 2 temples at different places in Odisha late Sunday night.
In one incident in Jajpur district, the idols of Lords Krishna, Nrusingha and Ram, Laxman and Devi Sita were stolen from Raghunathjew temple at Hirapur village under Dasarathpur block. Besides the precious idols, gold and silver jewellery worn by the deities and other costly items have been taken away by the miscreants.
The matter came to light on Monday morning when the priest came to perform the rituals and found the temple doors broke open. He informed the officials of the temple administration and the villagers who filed a complaint with Jajpur Town police station. The police have registered a case and started investigation.
According to the locals, the idols were very old and made of precious 8 stones. The cost of stolen idols and jewellery worn by those would be more than Rs 1 crore, they said.
The incident has sent shockwave among the villagers as the shrine is famous for Holi celebration. The idols of Lord Krishna is taken in Vimana (palanquin) during Dola Purnima which is scheduled next month.
In the second incident, 3 donation boxes in Jagannath Temple at Sinapalli in Nuapada district were looted by the miscreants. The priests of the temple on Monday morning found the locks of the boxes placed outside the main temple broken and the cash donated by the devotees inside those taken away. They estimated the boxes would contain more than Rs 1 lakh.
On being informed, a team from Sinapalli police station went to the spot and started investigation. Theye have also launched a manhunt to trace the accused.
It may be noted that the gold and silver jewellery of the deities of Ramaswamy temple at Khariar in the district were stolen by the miscreants a few days back.
