Theft at Shiva Temple, Sniffer Dogs Deployed at the Crime Scene
Kakatpur, 24/12 (Tushar Dixit): Theft incidents are rapidly increasing in the Astaranga area, creating a sense of fear and panic among the locals. Just two days ago, burglars looted gold ornaments from the residence of retired army officer Madanmohan in Hiradeipur, Astaranga. Following a forensic and sniffer dog investigation there, another theft has now occurred at the Kalpeshwar Shiva Temple in Kuanarpur, Hiradeipur.
In connection with this incident, the temple priest of Kuanarpur village, Jitendra Panda, has lodged a complaint at Astaranga Police Station. According to sources, Jitendra’s father, Rabindra Panda, is the chief servitor of the temple. Due to his father’s ill health, Jitendra has been performing the temple rituals recently. Early this morning, around 5 AM, when Jitendra arrived at the temple and turned on the lights after opening the main door, he discovered that the sanctum of Lord Shiva had been broken into. The lock on the southern iron gate was completely damaged.
Inside the temple, valuable items including the deity’s microphone system, two microphones, Goddess Parvati’s silver crown, two brass bells, and the donation box had been stolen. The donation box had been broken open and emptied. A large iron crowbar, not belonging to the temple, was found on the oil lamp stand. The trunk used for the deity’s items had also been forcibly opened.
Based on the complaint, a two-member dog squad and a forensic team from Puri reached the temple to investigate. The sniffer dog tracked a trail for about one kilometer toward the Balia Pat Binchina Narayani Shakti Peeth. The forensic team recovered a broken pry bar and another crowbar from behind the temple.
This latest theft has left the locals in a state of anxiety, as it marks the second burglary within just two to three days in the same region. The rising incidents have led to public concern and criticism over the effectiveness of night patrolling by the police. Locals are demanding the immediate arrest of the culprits. A case has been registered under number 259/24, and an investigation is currently underway, as confirmed by Astaranga Police.
