Bhopal, Aug 24 — Madhya Pradesh Police have recovered a large number of stolen idols, ornaments, cash and other articles in a series of temple theft cases across four districts, arresting seven accused during investigations.
The recoveries were made in Pandhurna, Chhatarpur, Dhar and Barwani, where police teams used CCTV footage, fingerprints, forensic evidence, technical analysis and informer inputs.
In Pandhurna, police solved thefts at three temples in the Sausar police station area within 24 hours. Three accused were arrested in connection with thefts at the Jain Temple, Sahasrabahu Temple and Bhavani Mata Temple. The recovered property included four idols of Lord Parshvanath, idols of Lord Mahavir, Adinath, Neminath and Bahubali, idols of the 24 Tirthankaras, Ashtadhatu idols and Charan Padukas. Temple bells, crowns, donation boxes containing Rs 56,849, a motorcycle and mobile phones were also seized.
“Physical and scientific evidence collected from the crime scenes, along with CCTV footage, fingerprints, technical analysis and other inputs, helped us identify the accused,” Pandhurna Superintendent of Police Prakash Chandra Parihar said.
In Chhatarpur, police arrested an accused in connection with thefts at three temples in the Nainagir temple complex under Bakswaha police station. A reward of Rs 10,000 had been announced for information leading to his arrest. His involvement came to light during interrogation after his arrest in an attempted theft and assault case at Abar Mata Temple. Cash, a motorcycle, a cutter machine, pliers, blades and other tools were recovered.
In Dhar, three accused were arrested in connection with the theft at Nanadevi Temple under Amjhera police station. Police recovered property worth Rs 2.30 lakh, including a silver crown, earrings, three ceremonial canopies and two pairs of Nag‑Nagin figures.
In Barwani, police arrested an accused from Sambhaji Nagar in Maharashtra in connection with the theft at Mangalnath Hanuman Temple in Julwania. Police examined CCTV footage, fingerprints and forensic evidence and conducted inquiries in around 100 villages. A donation box and a fan were recovered after the accused allegedly confessed.
“The priority in such cases is to identify the accused quickly and recover the stolen religious articles and other property,” Barwani Superintendent of Police Padmavilochan Shukla said.
Police said the investigations were conducted on priority to ensure the security of religious places and recovery of stolen property.