Ancient Kali Temple in Samastipur Targeted by Thieves in Late-Night Robbery
In a shocking incident, thieves broke into the ancient Kali temple located under the Thaneshwarsthan railway bridge in Samastipur district, making off with valuable items from the sanctum sanctorum. The robbery occurred late on Friday night within the jurisdiction of the Town police station, leaving the local community in distress.
Details of the Temple Theft
According to the temple priest, Basant Kumar Jha, the theft took place after the evening 'aarti' was performed on Friday. He securely closed the temple doors around 9:30 PM and retired to his room for the night. However, upon returning to the temple on Saturday morning, he discovered a scene of devastation. The silver crown adorning the idol of Goddess Kali, estimated to be worth approximately Rs 50,000, along with precious earrings and a necklace, had been stolen. The perpetrators also forcibly opened the donation box and emptied it of all money. To add to the loss, two small idols were reported missing from the premises.
Police Investigation and CCTV Evidence
Upon receiving the report, a police team swiftly arrived at the temple to initiate an investigation. The authorities have obtained crucial CCTV footage from the temple, which captured the entire break-in sequence. The SHO of the Town police station, Ajit Kumar, provided details from the video evidence.
The footage shows a man entering the temple premises around 2:10 AM after removing a grille. The suspect had a towel wrapped around his face to conceal his identity and is clearly seen committing the theft. Additionally, a youth was observed loitering outside the temple during the incident, raising further suspicions.
Based on the complaint filed by Priest Basant Kumar Jha, an FIR has been registered against unidentified thieves. The SHO emphasized that further investigation is actively underway to apprehend the culprits and recover the stolen items.
Community Reaction and Police Assurance
News of the robbery spread quickly, leading to a large crowd gathering outside the temple premises. Concerned devotees expressed their anger and sadness over the desecration of the sacred site. In response, the police assured the public that every effort is being made to solve the case promptly and bring the perpetrators to justice. They reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of religious institutions in the area.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of historical and religious sites to criminal activities, underscoring the need for enhanced security measures. The investigation continues as authorities analyze the CCTV footage and gather additional evidence to track down the thieves involved in this brazen act.
