Centuries-old idols worth Rs 1 crore stolen from 500-year-old temple in Odisha’s Ganjam

In a major incident of theft, idols worth an estimated Rs 1 crore were allegedly stolen from a 500-year-old temple at Narayanapatana village under Tarasingh police limits in Ganjam district. The incident occurred at the historic Narayan Swamy Temple. Several rare and ancient idols made of ‘ashtadhatu’ and brass were reportedly found missing.

According to sources, the stolen idols include those of Laxmi Narayan, Radha Krishna, and several other deities that had been worshipped in the temple for centuries. The burglars allegedly broke open the temple’s main lock before decamping with the valuable idols.

The theft came to light when the temple priest arrived for the morning rituals and found the locks broken and the sanctum empty. He immediately alerted villagers, who then informed the police.

A scientific team from the police department reached the spot and initiated an investigation. Sniffer dogs have also been deployed to trace possible routes used by the thieves. The incident has sparked tension and shock in the locality, with villagers demanding swift action and recovery of the priceless heritage idols. A police inquiry is underway to identify the culprits and ascertain the exact sequence of events.

“This is a historic temple. The stolen idols will be worth around Rs 1 crore,” claimed Kulu Bhuyan, a local.

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“I suspect outsiders, with the help of locals, might have carried out the loot. The temple’s security must be enhanced,” demanded Lokanath Panigrahi, member of the temple committee.