Authorities are hunting for suspects who stole a 1.5-foot-tall bronze Vinayagar statue from a Pulavanur temple near Panruti. The theft occurred at a temple located on Pulavanur’s main road. On 8 December 2024, the temple was secured and locked by its caretaker, Nandagopal, after the evening puja concluded at 6:30 PM.
To the shock of devotees, when the temple was reopened for morning puja at 6:30 AM on 9 December, the lock on the temple’s front door was broken. Upon further inspection, it was discovered that the bronze Vinayagar statue had been stolen from the Panruti temple.
Sridevi, a Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE) Department inspector, filed a complaint at the Panruti police station. The police have since registered a case and launched an investigation to locate the missing statue and apprehend those responsible.
The audacious theft has deeply disturbed devotees, who are urging the authorities to identify the culprits and recover the stolen idol swiftly.
(With inputs from Dinamalar)
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