Police Bust Temple Theft Ring in Odisha’s Balasore, Mayurbhanj Districts; 7 Arrested

Balasore: Police have arrested a seven-member gang allegedly involved in looting temples across Balasore district and neighbouring Mayurbhanj. The arrests come after a spate of temple thefts that sparked outrage in the region.

Balasore SP Sagarika Nath addressed the media, detailing the operation. Following a series of theft complaints filed at Chandipur and Sadar police stations, a special team led by the Sadar SDPO was formed to investigate. The meticulous investigation led to the apprehension of four individuals.

During interrogation, the arrested suspects revealed a network involving jewellers who received the stolen items. The police subsequently apprehended three jewellery shop owners suspected of buying the stolen religious artefacts.

According to SP Nath, the gang specifically targeted temples in isolated locations lacking CCTV surveillance. They stole precious metal ornaments adorning the deities and even idols themselves. The recovered loot is estimated to be valued at ₹6 lakh.

The Balasore Police have successfully recovered nearly 80% of the stolen items from the 19 temples that were targeted. Investigations are ongoing for the remaining six cases.