PANAJI
The Mandrem Police arrested a Maharashtra native -- also a rape accused -- for allegedly committing thefts at two temples.
Vinod Patekar was arrested during an investigation into the theft at Shree Hanuman Temple on August 7. Quoting the complaint, Superintendent of Police (North Goa) Akshat Kaushal told reporters that an unknown person gained entry into the inner sanctum of the temple in Madhlamaj, Mandrem, forced open the main door and broke the donation box to decamp with around Rs 10,000 cash and gold ornaments worth Rs 20,000.
During the interrogation, the accused also confessed to having committed theft at the Ajoba Temple in Keri.
“We were analysing CCTV footage to identify the suspect. Patekar confessed to committing thefts in both temples. We have so far recovered gold jewellery and Rs 3,958 cash including notes and coins from the accused, so far,” the officer said.
The Maharashtra native, residing in Mandrem, also has a prior involvement in a rape case.
