Bhubaneswar, May 6: In a shocking incident, unidentified thieves broke into a Hanuman temple at Kumarbegapalli village under Chhatrapur police station limits in Ganjam district and decamped with gold and silver ornaments worth over ₹50 lakh.

According to reports, the theft occurred late Tuesday night around 1 am. The miscreants allegedly broke open the temple lock and entered the sanctum. The priest, who had secured the temple after evening rituals, discovered the break-in early Wednesday morning when he found the lock damaged and valuables missing.

Among the stolen items were gold ornaments adorning the Hanuman idol, including gold eyes and the sacred ‘chita’. The thieves also took away silver items such as the gada (mace) and other decorative ornaments of the deity. In addition, the temple’s donation box was reportedly stolen.

On being alerted, police from Chhatrapur rushed to the spot and began an investigation. Officials are examining CCTV footage from the temple premises as well as nearby cameras along the main road. Preliminary findings suggest that the suspects had covered their faces while committing the crime.

The incident has triggered concern among local residents, who have raised questions over the security arrangements at religious institutions. Police said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the culprits at the earliest.

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