Bhopal, August 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Madhya Pradesh Police have recovered stolen idols, religious ornaments, cash and other valuables in a crackdown on temple thefts across four districts, with seven accused arrested in separate cases.
The recoveries were made in Pandhurna, Chhatarpur, Dhar and Barwani using CCTV footage, fingerprints, forensic evidence, technical analysis and information from local sources.
In Pandhurna, police solved thefts reported at three temples in the Sausar police station area within 24 hours and arrested three accused. The recovered articles included four idols of Lord Parshvanath, idols of Lord Mahavir, Adinath, Neminath and Bahubali, idols of the 24 Tirthankaras, Ashtadhatu idols and Charan Padukas. Temple bells, crowns, donation boxes containing Rs 56,849, a motorcycle and mobile phones were also seized.
Pandhurna Superintendent of Police Prakash Chandra Parihar said physical and scientific evidence from the crime scenes, along with CCTV footage, fingerprints and technical analysis, helped identify the accused.
In Chhatarpur, police arrested an accused in connection with thefts at three temples in the Nainagir temple complex under Bakswaha police station. A reward of Rs 10,000 had been announced for information leading to his arrest. Police said his involvement emerged during interrogation following his arrest in an attempted theft and assault case at Abar Mata Temple. Cash, a motorcycle and tools including a cutter, pliers and blades were recovered.
In Dhar, three accused were arrested for the theft at Nanadevi Temple under Amjhera police station. Police recovered property worth Rs 2.30 lakh, including a silver crown, earrings, three ceremonial canopies and two pairs of Nag-Nagin figures.
In Barwani, police arrested a man from Sambhaji Nagar in Maharashtra in connection with the theft at Mangalnath Hanuman Temple in Julwania. After examining CCTV footage, fingerprints and forensic evidence and conducting inquiries across around 100 villages, police recovered a donation box and a fan.
Barwani Superintendent of Police Padmavilochan Shukla said recovering stolen religious articles and other property while quickly identifying suspects remained a priority.
Police said the investigations were conducted on priority to strengthen security at religious places and recover stolen property.
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