The burglary at the St Anthony Cross in Tamsoddear, Chicalim.
VASCO
Burglars targeted the St Anthony Cross at Tamsoddear-Chicalim and stole the donation box kept at the site.
The incident, which is believed to have occurred along the highway late at night, has been reported to the police, who have launched an investigation.
Speaking to the media, Chicalim Panchayat member Roman Vaz stated that he was informed about the burglary by the assistant parish priest at around 8 am.
“I rushed to the spot and called the police. The priest estimated that the donation box contained approximately Rs 25,000. Unfortunately, there is no CCTV footage of the incident, but the marks at the scene suggest that a breaker machine may have been used to remove the box. The crime could have been executed within 10-15 minutes,” Vaz said.
He further added that many devotees, including taxi drivers, often stop to pray at the holy cross, even late at night.
“This suggests the crime might have been committed during the late-night hours when there were fewer people around,” he said.
The police have begun questioning labourers in the vicinity and are gathering more details to track down the culprits. Devotees and residents are hoping for swift action to ensure the security of religious sites in the area.
