Temple committee drops complaint after suspect found to be minor

Honda Navnath Temple Committee president Rohidas Satardekar, along with committee members Ramesh Maushkar and Sachin Patil, addressing journalists in Valpoi.

VALPOI

As the suspect in the attempted theft at the Navnath Temple in Honda has been found to be a minor, the temple committee has decided to withdraw the police complaint. The decision was taken to ensure that the boy’s future is not harmed.

This was announced by Rohidas Satardekar, president of the Navnath Temple, Honda committee, along with committee members Ramesh Maushkar and Sachin Patil, at a press conference.

According to the committee, an attempt was made a day earlier to break open the donation box at the temple. CCTV footage showed a person moving suspiciously inside the temple premises and trying to force open the box, but the attempt failed. The incident caused concern among devotees and residents of the Honda area.

The next day, the committee lodged a complaint at the Valpoi Police Station. However, after questioning the suspect, it was confirmed that he was a minor.

Taking a humanitarian view, the committee decided to withdraw the complaint. Satardekar said the aim was to give the boy a chance to reform and not ruin his life. The committee has requested the police to counsel the minor and ensure he does not repeat such acts in future.