Surat: Saroli police arrested two thieves and recovered stolen ornaments and cash worth Rs 8.50 lakh, helping solve four temple theft cases reported in Karnataka.
Details of the Theft
The accused allegedly targeted Jain temples and stole valuables worth Rs 16.10 lakh from areas under the jurisdiction of the Vidhyanagar, Basavnagar, Kote and Dharwad Town police stations. A third accomplice remains absconding.
Police Operation
Police inspector SR Vekariya told TOI, “We received specific information that accused Bhurji Makhodiya (44) and Vijay Gundiya (27) would be passing through the Niyol check post with valuables stolen from temples. Based on the tip-off, we laid a trap and apprehended both accused. During the operation, ornaments and cash worth Rs 8.50 lakh were recovered from their possession.”
He added, “During interrogation, the accused confessed to their involvement in the thefts. We contacted Karnataka Police and obtained copies of the FIRs and CCTV footage, which show both accused inside the targeted temples. The accused have admitted that a portion of the stolen valuables was already sold. We have initiated the process of handing over the accused to Karnataka Police for further investigation.”
Background of Accused
According to police, the two accused, along with a third accomplice, broke into four Jain temples in different parts of Karnataka during the early hours of June 12. Both arrested accused are natives of Dahod district and have previous criminal cases registered against them with police in Anand and Dahod districts.
