A major theft was reported late on Saturday night at the Maa Chualia shrine under Pattamundai Rural Police Station limits in Kendrapara district, triggering tension in the locality. Gold and silver ornaments along with cash worth nearly Rs 8 lakh were allegedly stolen from the temple, sources said.

According to reports, miscreants broke the idol of the Goddess and forcibly removed gold and silver ornaments worth several lakhs of rupees. The temple donation box was also broken open and cash inside was looted. The theft came to light early on Sunday morning when the priest and local villagers reached the shrine and found the idol vandalised and valuables missing.

The Maa Chualia shrine is not only regarded as a Shakti Peeth but is also a popular picnic spot that attracts a considerable number of visitors, making the incident a matter of concern for locals.

Suspect Caught And Handed Over To Police

During the morning inspection, villagers noticed an intoxicated youth lying inside the temple premises. Suspecting his involvement in the theft, local residents detained and thrashed him before alerting the police.

As per reports, the youth allegedly confessed to his role in the robbery and stated that two others had accompanied him during the theft.

Investigation Underway

Police personnel reached the spot soon after receiving information and took the youth to the police station for further investigation. The accused reportedly hails from a slum in the Pattamundai region.

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A police probe is underway to trace the other suspects involved in the theft and to recover the stolen ornaments and cash, as sources said.