Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), August 8, 2012: Unidentified miscreants made away with ancient idols from a famous Jain temple in Shivpuri district late on Wednesday night after tying the priest with rope.
The incident occurred at Golakot Jain temple near Khaniadhana. The stolen stone idols of Lord Parswanath are believed to be more than 300 years old. The robbers had come to the temple posing as devotees.
Police said, they requested the temple staff to let them stay at night.
After initial refusal, the priest agreed to let them spend the night on the premises. Soon after getting inside, the robbers caught the two gardeners Harish Singh and Motilal apart from the priest Ratan Chand, whom they tied with a rope.
“They were around six in numbers, and had arrived in a white car. Surprisingly they didn’t touch the cash box, and just took away the idols weighing in quintals,” said a police officer adding that the victims freed themselves after the accused escaped.
The accused, who were carrying firearms, had also collected SIM cards of victims’ cell phones before leaving the spot. Local traders registered strong protest against the incident and demanded immediate action. They also kept the market closed. – News Courtesy: Daily Bhaskar