Four arrested for stealing from Shri Bhagwan Veereshwar Temple in Khopoli !

All four accused found to be Hindus

Khopoli (District Raigad) – A theft took place at the historic 18^th-century Shri Bhagwan Veereshwar (Vishveshwar) Temple in Khopoli around midnight on July 19. The thieves entered the sanctum sanctorum and stole the entire silver covering of the Shivling, including its mask and covering, worth ₹28 lakh and weighing 17 kg. After investigating the case, the police arrested 4 habitual thieves from Pune and Ahilyanagar districts. The accused have been identified as Amol Kasbe, Vikas Agivle, Dilip Jadhav and Sakharam Gaikwad.

Devotees are allowed to enter the temple only through the front entrance, so the rear entrance generally remained locked. The thieves broke the chain and lock on the rear door, entered the sanctum sanctorum and committed the theft. Early the next morning, assistant priest Kishor Shigwan arrived to open the temple as usual and discovered the theft. He immediately informed the temple trustees, who filed a complaint. CCTV footage helped the police uncover the theft. The police have recovered all the stolen items from the accused.

Editorial Perspective

Hindus who steal from temples are enemies of Hindu Dharma ! The government must punish such people severely !