In a bizarre incident that has left both devotees and authorities perplexed, a young man was caught on camera stealing a donation box from the Sheetla Mata Temple in Lucknow. The act, however, was preceded by a surprising display of devotion towards the temple's deity.
A Theft Preceded by Prayer
The CCTV footage from the temple reveals a sequence of events that contrasts starkly between faith and crime. The suspect is seen entering the temple premises barefoot, adhering to the customary practice of devotees. He then approaches the idol of Lord Hanuman and spends time offering prayers with apparent sincerity.
Before proceeding with the theft, the individual took careful steps that showed an unusual level of reverence. He meticulously shifted aside a bowl of vermilion (sindoor) and a burning lamp (diya) to ensure they were not disturbed or extinguished. This act, noted by the police, added to the strangeness of the crime.
Hesitation and Nervousness Captured on Camera
The video evidence shows a clear moment of internal conflict. According to the Station House Officer (SHO) of Cantonment, Jasveer Kaur, the youth held the donation box for nearly 15 seconds without moving it, seemingly in a state of hesitation. He was seen wiping sweat from his forehead and staring nervously at the idol, as if grappling with the consequences of his intended action.
Ultimately, he proceeded to take the box. In a final gesture that further baffled observers, the thief walked several steps backward after taking the box—a practice followed by many devotees to avoid turning their back to the deity. The temple priest, Pt Pramod Kumar Pandey, confirmed that the man even turned around one last time to bow to the idol before leaving.
Investigation Launched, Suspect Possibly a Minor
The crime came to light on Friday morning when Priest Pramod Kumar Pandey arrived at the temple and discovered the donation box was missing. He immediately alerted the police authorities. SHO Jasveer Kaur stated that the suspect visible in the footage could be a minor.
Police are currently analyzing the CCTV video to identify the individual. "We have received the complaint and the footage. A search operation has been launched to apprehend the accused," the SHO said. The incident has sparked discussions about the contradictory nature of the act, combining devotion with theft, leaving the temple administration and law enforcement both confused.
