PERNEM
In response to the recent spate of temple thefts in the Pernem Sub-Division, the Mopa Airport Police Station had intensified patrolling efforts in its jurisdiction. These efforts bore fruit early Sunday morning when police apprehended a man suspected of involvement in multiple temple thefts across Goa.
At approximately 3:15 am on September 7, Police Inspector Narayan A. Chimulkar of Mopa Airport Police Station, while conducting night patrol duties along with his team, spotted a suspicious individual at Warkhand Junction. The man, who was riding a Hero Splendor motorcycle bearing registration number GA 03 E 9444, wore a sweatshirt and helmet. His movements raised suspicion.
Upon closer inspection, PI Chimulkar recalled that a person matching the same description was captured on CCTV footage during a theft at the Shree Vetal Temple in Alorna, Pernem on August 15.
Acting swiftly, the police attempted to intercept the suspect. However, on sensing the presence of law enforcement, the man attempted to flee towards Dhargal.
A high-speed chase ensued, and the suspect was successfully apprehended. During questioning, he identified himself as Bishnu, son of Santosh Roy, aged 38, originally from Dakshin Dinajpur, Kolkata, West Bengal, and currently residing in Dhatwadi, Dodamarg.
Upon searching his belongings, the police found a backpack containing a pickaxe, a screwdriver, and Rs 910 in cash (in denominations of Rs10, Rs 20, and Rs 50), suspected to have been stolen from temple donation boxes. Further verification revealed that the motorcycle’s registration plate was fake.
During interrogation, Bishnu reportedly confessed to his involvement in the Shree Vetal Temple theft, as well as similar offenses in other police jurisdictions across Goa.
The accused has been placed under arrest. Further investigation is underway, led by PSI Viraj Sawant under the supervision of SP North Rahul Gupta, SDPO Pernem Salim Shaikh, and PI Narayan A. Chimulkar of Mopa Airport Police Station.
