CANACONA
Unknown culprits committed theft at Shri Agondeshwar Temple in Agonda by breaking open the main door of the temple and decamping with cash and valuables worth around two lakhs of rupees.
Approximately Rs 80 lakh from the donation box, two large-sized divlis (valued at Rs 50,000 each), two small-sized divlis (valued at Rs 30,000 each), two temple bells (valued at Rs 30,000), and a pancharat and arath (both valued at Rs 8,000 each) have been taken from the Agondeshwar Temple situated in an isolated location of the village.
According to the police, the culprits gained entry into the temple by breaking open the lock of the Main Temple Door, before decamping with the cash and valuables by breaking open the donation box and the valuables used for temple rituals.
Incidentally, Shri Agondeshwar Temple, located away from the residential locality, recently observed its Vardhapan-Din, and it is believed that the donation box had a substantial amount of cash donations due to the recent celebrations of the Foundation Day.
Canacona police deployed a dog squad and fingerprint experts to search for clues, conducting further investigation into the theft.
Police sources further informed that no fingerprints were found anywhere inside or on the temple door, while the dog sniffed its way into a paddy field situated behind the temple and stopped at a distance of 100 metres.
Police suspect the robbery was well-planned and executed professionally to avoid leaving any trail.
Further police investigations are underway.
