Four individuals have been arrested for illegally excavating a site beneath a temple in Karnataka's Haveri district in search of treasure, police said on Friday.
The accused allegedly dug a pit measuring about 10 to 12 feet deep and 8 to 10 feet wide under the Mooka Basaveshwara and Ishwara temple. The incident came to light after locals noticed the excavation and alerted the authorities.
Police reached the spot and apprehended the four suspects. They are being questioned to ascertain if they had any inside information about the treasure. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act.
Further investigation is underway to determine if more people were involved in the illegal excavation. The temple is a protected monument under the state archaeology department.
