Shillong, May 10 : Unidentified thieves allegedly broke into the Hanuman Mandir in Garikhana early Friday morning and fled with idols, silver ornaments and cash after reportedly burning CCTV cameras installed inside and outside the temple.
The incident took place around 1 AM under the jurisdiction of Lumdiengjri Police Station.
According to an FIR filed by Ravi Sharma, the miscreants entered the temple premises by breaking open a side entrance before targeting ritual items and valuables kept inside.
Among the items reported stolen were idols of Lord Krishna and Radha, a small idol of Lord Hanuman, silver ornaments and several brass items used for worship, including lamps, plates and water pots. Cash kept inside the temple donation box was also allegedly taken away.
The main idol inside the temple, however, was left untouched. What has shocked many residents is the manner in which the theft was carried out.
Before fleeing the scene, the intruders allegedly set fire to CCTV cameras in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence and avoid identification. Residents say the act points to planning rather than an ordinary theft.
Despite this, CCTV footage from nearby houses reportedly captured the suspects while they were escaping from the area. The footage has been handed over to police on a pen drive along with the formal complaint.
The incident has triggered concern among residents of Garikhana and nearby Jhalupara, with many questioning security arrangements and night patrolling in one of Shillong’s busy localities.
Police have started an investigation into the case.
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