Haveri: A rising wave of thefts targeting religious institutions has shaken Haveri district, with thieves increasingly focusing on temples and mathas. Surge in thefts targets temples and mathas; devotees demand strict action.
The latest incident occurred at the Guru Raghavendra Swami Math, where intruders broke locks in multiple rooms and stole gold jewelry and pooja items valued at over Rs10 lakh. Haveri city police visited the site, conducted a preliminary inspection, and have registered a case, launching an investigation.
According to police sources, the burglars forced entry into two rooms at the matha and made away with gold, silver, copper articles, and sacred pooja materials. Devotees expressed deep anger over the theft, demanding that the culprits be traced and severely punished.
This surge is not isolated. Recently, a similar incident occurred at the Radhakrishna Temple in Karwar, where thieves removed parts of the roof to steal silver ornaments. The crime was discovered the following morning when devotees arrived for prayers. The stolen items, primarily silver, were estimated at over ₹5 lakh. The Karwar City Police have registered a case and begun investigating.
In another incident at HD Kote, the Sree Varahi Maramma Temple suffered a night-time burglary. Thieves stole gold ornaments and offerings from the temple and also looted the donation box. Devotees expressed frustration at the police, alleging repeated inaction in the face of recurring temple thefts. “They neither catch the thieves nor prevent the thefts,” one devotee lamented.
Authorities confirm that thieves often strike under the cover of night, targeting religious institutions that are less secured, exploiting the absence of guards. These repeated incidents have raised alarms among temple authorities and devotees across Haveri and neighboring districts.
Devotees are now urging authorities to enhance security measures, including CCTV surveillance, night patrols, and stronger locks at temples and mathas. Local police have assured that the ongoing investigations aim to identify and apprehend the culprits swiftly to restore public faith and protect the sanctity of religious sites.
With multiple incidents in quick succession, the message from devotees is clear: temples and mathas must no longer be easy targets for thieves, and strict preventive and punitive measures are essential.
