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A string of alleged temple thefts across Odisha has left the state on edge, with valuable ornaments, idols and cash being stolen from as many as twelve religious sites in the last three months. The latest incident occurred at the Saila Srikhetra Jagannath Temple in Angul on January 16, 2025, where miscreants allegedly looted cash offerings and three gold crowns.
The latest loot follows a spate of similar robberies, including thefts from prominent temples like Tara Tarini in Ganjam and Panchamukhi Hanuman in Cuttack, resulting in losses worth lakhs of rupees. The recurring incidents have raised concerns over temple security and the Odisha government’s course of action to address these rising crimes at religious places.
The Saila Srikhetra Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Angul district was allegedly looted by unidentified miscreants on Jan 16, 2025. The incident came to light when the temple priest discovered the gate and locks broken upon arriving to perform the daily rituals. Despite the presence of CCTV cameras on the premises, they were found to be non-functional, hindering the investigation. A complaint has been filed with the local police, but no arrests have been made so far.
The Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple in Cuttack was allegedly looted on January 4, 2025, sending shockwaves across the city and deeply hurting the religious sentiments of devotees. The incident came to light when temple authorities reported the crime to the Madhupatna police. Preliminary investigations suggested that the theft occurred late at night.
Unidentified miscreants allegedly broke into the Chingudikhola Kali Temple in the Beguniapada block of Ganjam district on December 23, 2024, and looted its donation box. The perpetrators reportedly smashed open the box and fled with the offerings. The temple priest informed the management committee about the theft, following which a police complaint was lodged with the local authorities.
Four temples in the Gardapara area of Ganjam district were allegedly looted on November 25, 2024, leaving locals outraged. Miscreants reportedly broke down the main entrances, ransacked donation boxes, and stole sacred items used in religious ceremonies. The brazen act left the locals hurt and angry after they discovered the desecrated state of the temples following which they had filed a police report.
The alleged theft at Tara Tarini Temple in Ganjam, one of Odisha's most renowned Shakti Peeths, shocked many. Items and cash worth lakhs were stolen, prompting the temple administration to file a police complaint. Reports suggested the looters gained entry using cutter machines and other electrical equipment.
Miscreants allegedly stole ornaments and cash from the donation box of Maa Santoshi Temple in Junani village, under Khariar police station in Nuapada district, on November 12, 2024. The temple priest along with founder, Mulchand Singhal, filed a written complaint with the Khariar police regarding the incident.
Looters targeted a Durga Puja Mandap in Jajpur district on October 11, 2024, brazenly challenging local police. The crime was committed despite the presence of two staff members at the site.
Two temples, Beleswar and Duladevi Temple in Bhubaneswar were robbed on October 4, 2024, as miscreants cut through the grill locks and stole valuable ornaments and cash. Despite their attempt to break open the donation box, they were unsuccessful. Local residents apprehended one thief and turned him over to the police, aiding the investigation.
