Prime Accused in Major Temple Theft Nabbed After Three-Year Manhunt
In a significant breakthrough, a special team of Odisha Police has arrested the prime accused in the high-profile theft of six ancient idols from the Siddha Baladevjew temple in Jajpur district. The arrest was made in Agra on Friday, bringing to a close a manhunt that lasted over three years.
Operation Based on Tip-Off Leads to Arrest in Uttar Pradesh
Acting on specific intelligence, the police team tracked down and apprehended Vikash Yadav, who had been evading capture since the night of November 11, 2022. The arrest took place far from the crime scene, in the city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Yadav was subsequently brought back to Odisha and produced before the local court in Jajpur on Saturday.
The court rejected his bail application and ordered him to be remanded to judicial custody. The police have charged Yadav under sections pertaining to house-trespass or house-breaking by night and theft in a dwelling house.
Priceless Idols Remain Missing, International Market Feared
Despite the arrest, a critical piece of the puzzle remains unsolved. The six stolen 'ashtadhatu' idols, crafted from eight precious metals, are yet to be recovered. The theft occurred at the ancient Siddha Baladevjew temple located in Badabarisahi village under the Dharmasala police station area.
Ramakanta Nayak, the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of Dharmasala police station, confirmed that raids are ongoing to apprehend the other accused involved in the crime. He emphasized that the investigation is active and focused on recovering the stolen artifacts.
Historian Basudev Das from the district highlighted the grave cultural loss, noting that such antique statues become priceless once they reach the international black market. Their theft represents an irreplaceable erosion of heritage.
A Pattern of Heritage Crime in the Region
This incident is not isolated. The arrest sheds light on a disturbing trend of heritage crimes in the region. According to reports, approximately 40 temples, Buddhist monasteries, and other historic sites have been burgled in the Jajpur district and nearby areas over the past four years.
The successful arrest of Vikash Yadav marks a crucial step for law enforcement in tackling this organized theft of Odisha's cultural and religious patrimony. It underscores the ongoing challenge of protecting India's vast and vulnerable historical treasures from criminal networks.
