5 Temples Robbed in One Night in Odisha’s Balasore

Balasore: In a spate of burglaries that has shaken the Remuna area of Balasore district in Odisha, thieves targeted five temples overnight, making off with idols, ornaments, and valuable items worth lakhs of rupees.

According to sources, the thefts occurred at Mangala Temple and Hanuman Temple in Patripal, the Shiva Temple in Kantabania, Mangala Temple in Tentulida, and the Shiva Temple in Unida.

The thieves, it’s reported, pilfered brass idols from the recently consecrated Shiva Temple in Kantabania, while gold and silver ornaments of deities along with utensils were taken from the other four temples, as confirmed by villagers.

The discovery of the burglaries only came to light when the priests opened the shrines for their daily rituals this morning.

Upon receiving the information, local authorities, including the police, promptly inspected the affected temples and launched an investigation into the matter.

Residents expressed deep concern over the recurring incidents of temple thefts in the Remuna area, noting that similar incidents have plagued the region for months. Despite efforts, authorities have yet to apprehend the culprits or recover the stolen items, lamented a villager.