Burglary in Odisha temples continues: 8 shrines looted in Khordha on Feb 13, 20 targeted in 20 months

A series of thefts was reported from eight temples in the Balugaon area of Khordha district on Friday.

According to sources, the thefts took place at eight temples located across five different places, with miscreants reportedly decamping with valuables. Temples in Samantarapur, Bidyadharpur and Gandhinagar were among those targeted.

In Samantaraypur Sahi, thefts were reported from the Dadhibaman, Hanuman and Thakurani temples. Similarly, temples in Vidyadharpur Sahi, Gandhinagar and Saralapadar were also looted.

Loot was also reported from the Uttarayani and Kalijai temples. The thieves allegedly broke open the locks and decamped with donation boxes and gold ornaments.

It is suspected that a racket may be involved in the thefts. Balugaon police have launched an investigation at the spot and are continuing their probe.

Trinath Mahapatra, Uttarayani Priest, said, "When I reached the temple at around 05:30 am, I saw the locks broken. The Goddess's crown and other jewelleries were stolen. Previously, we used to take away all the jewellery in case it might get stolen but the committee later told that it is okay and not to take the jewellery back at night, but now this happened."

RamaChandra Palai, local resident, said, "People are not safe here so how will be the temples safe. Priest informed us about the theft, gold ornament and silver crown were stolen."

He added further, "After that we filed a formal complaint with the police, investigation was carried out later. Police claims that they regularly patrol here but still the theft happened."

Temples Looted

February 2026
February 12, 2026: Narayani, Netapur Gelabai, Bimala, and Padmapada Harisahadev Temples (Puri)
A series of thefts hit the Nagpur and Malisahi areas overnight. Miscreants decamped with silver crowns and deity ornaments; this occurred just one day after the Solapur temple theft.

February 11, 2026: Adhangei Thakurani Temple (Solapur, Puri)
Unidentified miscreants looted this temple on a Monday night, marking the start of a specific wave of burglaries in the Gop police station limits.

January 2026
January 30, 2026: Jagannath, Bimala, Lakshmi, and Ram Temples (Keonjhar)
A single-night strike in Belabahali village, Ghasipura, saw gold and silver ornaments stolen. The thieves reportedly dumped the emptied donation boxes in a nearby field.

January 7, 2026: Mani Nageshwar and Gayatri Temples (Udala)
Thieves looted these two ancient temples during a cold wave. The donation box of Nageshwar temple was broken, while a silver crown and utensils were taken from the Gayatri temple.

December 2025
December 28, 2025: Maa Chualia Shrine (Pattamundai, Kendrapara)
A major theft involving ornaments and cash worth Rs8 lakh; the idol was reportedly vandalized during the robbery, and a suspect was apprehended by locals.

December 26, 2025: Five Temples and One Residence (Nikirai, Kendrapara)
Coordinated overnight break-ins occurred at five temples. Thieves stole deity "eyes," crowns, jewelry, and brass ritual utensils.

December 25, 2025: Rekula Mangala Temple (Kamakhyanagar)
Looters stole gold ornaments and cash totaling approximately Rs8 lakh. The incident led to local warnings of large-scale protests against poor police patrolling.

November 2025
November 28, 2025: Maa Charchika Temple (Jagatsinghpur)
A high-profile theft at the famous Shakti Peeth. 

November 15, 2025: Narayan Swami Temple (Ganjam)
A massive heist at a 500-year-old temple in Narayanpatna. Priceless 'Ashtadhatu' idols of Lakshmi Narayan and Radha Krishna, valued at Rs1 crore, were stolen.

February 2025
February 16, 2025: Jagannath Temple and Maa Kalitra Peetha (Bhadrak)
Three locations were targeted in one night. Gold jewelry was stolen from the Jagannath temple, while the donation box was taken from the Kalitra Peetha on NH-16.

February 9, 2025: Jagannath Temple (Phulbani)
Burglars entered the sanctum sanctorum to steal the deities' golden "Chitas" and approximately Rs3-4 lakh in cash.

February 6, 2025: Jagannath Temple (Soro, Balasore)
A silver crown and a silver flute were reported stolen from the deities during a night-time burglary.

January 2025
January 20, 2025: Siruli Mahavir Temple (Puri)
Miscreants targeted this prominent Hanuman shrine, stealing cash and valuables.

January 19, 2025: Saila Srikhetra Jagannath Temple (Angul)
Three golden crowns and donation money were stolen. OTV highlighted that despite having cameras, they were non-functional during the crime.

January 19, 2025: Shirdi Sai Baba and Maa Budhisantani Temples (Ganjam)
Valuables worth over Rs30 lakh and cash were stolen from these two temples in Bhanjanagar and Jagadalpur on the same Saturday night.

Late 2024
November 4-6, 2024: Tara Tarini Temple (Ganjam)
A major theft at the hilltop shrine where silver ornaments worth Rs10 lakh, including crowns and a ceremonial umbrella, were stolen. (Note: OTV later reported the arrest of 6 individuals, including 4 servitors, in this case).

November 13, 2024: Maa Santoshi Temple (Nuapada)
Thieves used a bamboo ladder to enter the temple in Junani village, stealing a donation box that hadn't been opened in 7 years.

October 5, 2024: Beleswar and Duladevi Temples (Bhubaneswar Outskirts)
Looters struck during the festive season. One thief was apprehended by local villagers and handed over to the police.

Also Read: Temples under threat: Series of temple thefts reported in Puri- Land of Lord Jagannath

July 6, 2024: Kanakya Parameswari Temple (Jeypore)
Police arrested a serial offender linked to 40 temple thefts following this specific robbery involving gold and cash.