Pune Man Disguised as Monk Arrested for Multi-State Jain Temple Robberies
In a significant breakthrough, Chennai city police have apprehended a 60-year-old man from Pune who allegedly posed as a monk to burgle multiple Jain temples across South India. The arrest concludes a year-long investigation into a series of sophisticated thefts that targeted religious institutions in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
The suspect, identified as Jeevan Singh, was arrested by a specialized police team led by Inspector Alagammal in Pune. Following his detention, he was produced before a local court in Pune, where authorities obtained a transit warrant. He was subsequently transported to Chennai by train and is currently lodged in Puzhal prison, awaiting further legal proceedings.
Initial Crime and Investigation
The case first came to light in February 2025 when a major theft was reported at a Jain temple located on Mint Street in Sowcarpet, Chennai. Thieves made off with a substantial 600-gram gold bar and a heavy 10-kilogram silver crown. The Elephant Gate police station, handling the investigation, discovered that the perpetrator had covered his face with a cloth and used a torchlight to execute the burglary under the cover of darkness.
Connection to Telangana Robbery
Three months prior to the Chennai incident, a similar robbery had occurred at a Jain temple in the Kachiguda district of Telangana. Police teams from both states collaborated, sharing critical CCTV footage that revealed striking similarities in the modus operandi. A detailed comparison confirmed that the same individual was responsible for both temple burglaries, linking the cases and intensifying the search for the suspect.
Suspect's Motive and Use of Stolen Funds
During intensive interrogation following his arrest, Jeevan Singh confessed to the crimes and disclosed his motives. He revealed that he utilized the stolen money to purchase a plot of land in Lonikand, Pune. With these illicit funds, he constructed separate houses for his wife, son, and daughter, highlighting how the proceeds from the temple robberies were invested in real estate for his family's benefit.
Broader Implications and Police Efforts
This arrest underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in combating crimes against religious institutions, which often involve elaborate disguises and cross-state operations. The successful collaboration between police forces in Tamil Nadu and Telangana played a crucial role in identifying and capturing the suspect. Authorities are now investigating whether Jeevan Singh was involved in additional temple thefts across the region, as his method of operation suggests potential links to other unsolved cases.
The case has drawn attention to the need for enhanced security measures at places of worship, particularly those housing valuable artifacts. Police have advised temple administrations to install advanced surveillance systems and conduct regular audits to prevent such incidents in the future.
