Unusual Temple Theft: Teenager Arrested for Stealing Bells in Gujarat
In a bizarre and uncommon crime, police in Gujarat's Aravalli district have apprehended an 18-year-old boy for allegedly stealing bells from two temples. The Modasa Town police recovered a total of 26 bells and broken bell pieces, with the seized property, including a motorcycle, valued at approximately Rs 1.10 lakh.
Details of the Temple Bell Thefts
According to officials, the bells were stolen from the Kiraai Mata Temple near Dadhariya village and the Jagdishwar Mahadev Temple in Pahadpur village. This unusual crime has drawn attention due to its rarity, as temple bell thefts are not a common occurrence, even for seasoned police officers.
How the Police Caught the Accused
Aravalli DSP Manoharsinh Jadeja provided insights into the arrest. "A police team was conducting night patrolling near a temple when they noticed a bike moving around suspiciously. The rider fled upon seeing the officers, but during his escape, he discarded a bag full of bells on the road," Jadeja explained. The police seized the bells and later traced the suspect, leading to his arrest.
Identity and Motive of the Accused
The accused has been identified as Vishnu Vadi, a resident of Piprana village in Malpur taluka. Police investigations revealed that Vadi is a professional thief with prior offences related to temple thefts registered against him. He allegedly sold the stolen bells for scrap, targeting them because they contain valuable metals like copper and bronze, which fetch good prices in the market.
Recovered Property and Estimated Value
The police have detailed the recovered bells and their estimated values:
- Three bells weighing around 15 kg, worth Rs 15,000
- Five bells weighing around 7 kg, worth Rs 5,000
- Six bells weighing around 1 kg, worth Rs 6,000
- Twelve bells weighing around 500 grams, worth Rs 6,000
- Broken bells weighing around 28 kg, worth Rs 28,000
The total value of the bells is estimated at Rs 60,000. In addition to the bells, a motorcycle was also seized, contributing to the overall property value of Rs 1.10 lakh.
Legal Proceedings and Cases Registered
Two separate cases have been detected in connection with these thefts. One case has been registered at the Modasa Town Police Station, and another at the Titoi Police Station. This highlights the seriousness with which authorities are treating these incidents, given their impact on religious sites and communities.
The arrest underscores the vigilance of local police in protecting cultural and religious heritage, while also shedding light on the motivations behind such unusual crimes. As investigations continue, this case serves as a reminder of the diverse challenges faced by law enforcement in safeguarding public property.
