TV
Dhamnagar police on Tuesday arrested two men for allegedly stealing valuables from temples across several districts in Odisha. The police recovered a large cache of items used in deity worshipping during the operation.
The accused were identified as Sheik Mustaq of Kendrapara district and Mir Arfan of Habibnagar under Dhamnagar NAC.
Police said Mustaq stole articles from different temples and sold them to Arfan. The seized materials included utensils, cymbals, and bells, which were allegedly looted from various temples.
Arrest During Patrolling
Two days ago, during routine patrolling near Guhalia Square, Dhamnagar police apprehended Mustaq. Following interrogation and search, a significant quantity of stolen materials was recovered, and further investigation led to the arrest of his associate Arfan.
It was revealed that Mustaq was involved in multiple thefts from several temples under the jurisdictions of Dhamnagar, Bhandaripokhari, Jajpur Town, Binjharpur, and areas under Alkund police station limits.
Police Statement On The Probe
Gopal Krushna Jena, IIC of Dhamnagar Police Station, said, “During questioning, we found several items such as cymbals and bells in his possession. On further interrogation, he revealed the name of a person from Habibnagar in Dhamnagar. We also interrogated that individual, from whose house we later recovered various stolen articles before arresting him. Our probe revealed that the second accused had been selling the stolen items in Bhadrak and nearby areas.”
Investigation Underway
Police informed that the probe is underway to ascertain whether more individuals are involved in the racket. The authorities further said that efforts are being made to trace the exact number of temples and religious institutions targeted by the accused.
