Calangute Temple Targeted in Second Burglary Within a Year
In a distressing incident, the Shree Shantadurga temple located along the busy Candolim road at Ambekhan Vaddo, Verem, Calangute, was broken into by four unidentified thieves in the early hours of Wednesday. This marks the second such burglary reported from the same temple within a year, according to temple committee members, raising concerns about security at the religious site.
Details of the Robbery
The thieves gained entry by removing a window from its old wooden frame in the temple's kitchen. Once inside, they focused on the donation boxes, breaking open two of them and allegedly making off with a significant amount of cash. Temple officials estimate that Rs 30,000-40,000 was stolen from each box, totaling an estimated Rs 60,000-80,000. Notably, the thieves only took currency notes, leaving behind piles of coins, which suggests a targeted and hurried operation.
CCTV Evidence and Police Investigation
The entire heist, which lasted around one hour, was captured on CCTV cameras installed at the temple. In a chilling revelation, temple committee members disclosed that the same four unidentified individuals had conducted a survey of the temple premises on February 9 at around 2 am, which was also recorded on CCTV. This pre-planning indicates a deliberate and calculated crime.
Following the discovery of the burglary, temple committee members promptly informed the Saligao police. Law enforcement officials visited the spot, conducted a panchanama (scene of crime report), and initiated an investigation. A forensic team was also deployed to collect evidence, aiming to trace the perpetrators and understand the modus operandi.
Impact and Concerns
Fortunately, no damage was reported to the idols or other religious objects within the temple, preserving the sanctity of the worship space. However, the repeated targeting of the temple has alarmed the local community and temple authorities. The first burglary occurred less than a year ago, highlighting vulnerabilities in security measures.
Key points from the incident include:
- Location: Shree Shantadurga temple, Ambekhan Vaddo, Verem, Calangute.
- Time: Early hours of Wednesday.
- Perpetrators: Four unidentified thieves.
- Stolen Items: Cash from two donation boxes, estimated at Rs 30,000-40,000 each.
- Evidence: CCTV footage capturing the heist and a prior survey on February 9.
- Response: Saligao police and forensic teams investigating.
This incident underscores the need for enhanced security protocols at religious institutions to prevent such crimes and protect community assets. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities reviewing CCTV footage and forensic evidence to apprehend the culprits.
