Patna (Bihar), August 28, 2015: An ancient idol of Lord Mahavira weighing around 250 kg and worth several crores was stolen from a Jain temple near Lachuar village in Jamui late on Friday night. The idol is said to be around 2,600 years old.
Jamui police said the theft took place at a famous Jain temple at Dipakarhar village under Khaira police station. The black stone statue at the temple, which is under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), had no protection.
Jamui SP Jayant Kant told The Sunday Express, “The Mahavir idol made of black stone is surely of high antique value. However, the concern is more about the sentiments of people than its monetary value”.
Asked if the police suspected any big gang being behind the idol theft, the SP said that they had detained some people. “We have some leads but it is too early to narrow down on names or gang,” he said. The SP added that the temple is situated in the village surrounded by forests. – News Courtesy: The Indian Express