Moodubelle: Daring robbery in Shri Mahalingeshwara temple at Devaragudde

By Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Pictures by Anil Alva
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 06 January 2010: It seems that in modern times even deities are not safe in their abodes. In shocking news, a daring night time robbery has been reported from Shri Mahalingeshwara Temple at Devaragudde, Moodubelle. It is believed that in the night of 5th January 2010, a gang of thieves robbed 12 inches tall Panchaloha Idol of Shri Mahalingeshwara from the sanctum sanctorum (Garbagriha) and the donation box weighing around 100 kilograms which might have required at least three persons to carry.

 

According to Sadananda Rao (Sadananda Master), the Secretary of the Shri Mahalingeshwara Temple Trust, when Subramanya Acharya, the priest who performs daily pooja arrived at the temple at around 5 AM was shocked to notice the main door and the door of the Garbagriha open and the idol and donation box missing. Immediately he rushed to the house of Sadananda Master and informed about the robbery. Sadananda Master in turn brought the incident to the notice of Dr. B.H. Shetty, President of the Shri Mahalingeshwara Temple Trust who called the police from Shirva. The police team led by Inspector Ganesh arrived at the temple soon after, and began investigations.

 

 

The police could notice the impression of jeep tyers on the grass and soil in front of the temple. The fingerprint experts and the police dog squad were also pressed into action that arrived at 9 AM. The dog snipped the place of the robbery and rushed out of the temple the policemen following. The dog took the right turn towards the hill and followed the path of the scent up to the road leading to Kunjarugiri and later lost track and returned.

 

According to Dr. H.B. Shetty, even earlier tree times there had been theft in the temple. However, this robbery was the most serious. Earlier the thieves did steal ornaments and minor articles from the temple. However, the robbery of the Panchaloha Idol and the huge donation box has led to shock and disbelief in the surrounding region. While writing the report, the police have taken the statements of Subramanya Acharya, the priest of the temple and the office bearers    of the temple trust. The police will continue their investigation about the robbery in the temple.