In a bizarre incident, a thief offered prayers before idols at a temple in Ludhiana before breaking open four donation boxes and making off with the cash. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, was captured on CCTV cameras installed on the premises.
Sequence of Events
The footage shows the man entering the temple premises around 3 am. He first approached the main shrine, folded his hands, and bowed before the idols. After a brief moment of prayer, he proceeded to the donation boxes located nearby. Using a metal rod, he pried open four boxes and collected the cash. The entire act took less than 10 minutes.
Police Investigation Underway
The temple authorities discovered the theft when they opened the premises in the morning. They immediately alerted the police, who have registered a case and are examining the CCTV footage to identify the suspect. The police have also collected fingerprints from the scene. The temple trust has not yet disclosed the exact amount stolen, but sources indicate it could be in the thousands.
Local residents expressed shock at the incident. "It is ironic that he prayed before stealing. It shows a lack of fear or remorse," said a devotee. The temple has since increased security measures, including additional locks and regular patrols.
The police have urged anyone with information to come forward. They are also checking records of known offenders in the area. The investigation is ongoing.
