Stolen antique Idol from Bhitarkanika temple yet to be traced

Kendrapara: Resentment is now brewing among locals as the 200-year-old antique idol of Goddess Durga, which was stolen from Nayakbabu temple located inside the Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district, is yet to be recovered.

Sources said, the idol made of black chlorite stone (locally known as mugunipathar) was reportedly stolen by unidentified miscreants during Durga puja earlier this month.

According to reports, the Kanika Royal family visit the spot during Durga puja at the temple.

The theft came to light after the trustee of Righagad and priest during their visit found the idol missing from the temple located in the dense forest.

"We demand that state government should conduct a detailed investigation the matter so that the miscreants involved in the idol theft are arrested" said local resident, BhaskerRoutray.

Though a complaint was filed at Talchua Marine police station by King Sibendra Narayan Singhdeo, efforts are yet to be initiated towards recovery of the stolen idol, local residents alleged.

Moreover, the theft of idol from the reserved forest area has raised question mark on the working and efficiency of the local forest department officials.

Talchua Marine police station, Inspector in-charge Sukant Patra on the other hand informed that as there is no human settlement near the temple, it is difficult to create circumstantial evidences.

However, assistance from forest department officials will be sought to trace the missing idol, said Patra.