Valuables Stolen from Car Near Srirangam Temple
In a distressing incident on New Year's Day, unidentified thieves targeted a parked car near the renowned Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam, Trichy. The miscreants made off with a significant haul of gold jewellery, electronic gadgets, and cash.
The theft occurred on the evening of January 1, casting a shadow over the temple visit of a local couple. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation, scanning CCTV footage from the area to identify the culprits.
Details of the Srirangam Temple Area Theft
The victims have been identified as R Gokulnath, 44, and his wife G Manisha, who is an assistant professor at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Trichy. The couple had arrived at the temple for darshan around 7 pm.
Due to heavy crowds in the temple precincts, Gokulnath parked his sedan-type car on Melur Road, near a pharmacy. This spot was approximately 700 metres from the main temple entrance. When the couple returned to their vehicle around 9 pm, they discovered the theft.
The thieves had smashed the rear right window of the car to gain access. The stolen items included:
- Two gold bangles, with a total weight of 20 grams.
- Two laptops.
- Cash amounting to Rs 9,000.
- A cheque book.
Police Investigation and Probe Underway
Acting on a formal complaint filed by the car owner, the Srirangam police registered a case on Saturday (the day after the incident). The primary focus of the investigation is on the collection and review of CCTV footage from cameras installed in and around Melur Road and the temple vicinity.
This incident highlights the risks associated with parking in crowded pilgrimage centres, even those considered generally secure. The police are likely examining the footage for suspicious individuals or activities during the two-hour window when the car was unattended.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, especially in crowded tourist and religious spots. The probe is ongoing, and further developments are awaited as police work to trace the unidentified thieves.
