Jain temple theft case: Main accused Das arrested from AP

Bhubaneswar: In a major breakthrough, police have managed to nab Santosh Das, the main accused of Mangalore Jain temple theft case from Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh.

Based on information from Odisha Police, the Andhra Pradesh Police arrested Das, a Nayagarh resident from Srikakulam, said DCP Nitinjeet Singh.

Notably, Das had managed to flee before a joint raid by Mangalore police and Odisha Police on the house of his father-in-law at Sailashree Vihar area here on July 16. Das' father-in-law and wife were only arrested in connection with the theft of antiques. During the raid cops also seized three ancient Jain idols and one kg gold.

The Mangalore police team had arrived here after tracking the mobile phone number of Das.

At least 15 priceless tenth century old antique idols studded with gold, diamonds and precious stones were stolen from a Jain Temple - Siddanta Mandir - in Moodabidri about 36 km from Mangalore of Karnataka state on June 7.