Thieves Arrested in Bhainsa Temple Theft Case; Town Observes Bandh in Protest

NEWS CHARIOT (NIRMAL JAN.3) : Two thieves, Vishal and Sangha Ratan, from Chuchund village in Bhainsa mandal, were arrested for robbing the Nagadevatha temple in Bhainsa, Nirmal district, Telangana. The duo committed the theft on December 31, 2024, intending to fund their New Year celebrations. They broke into the temple, looted offerings from the donation box (hundi), and even stole temple bells.

During the robbery, the temple suffered partial damage, sparking outrage among devotees and Hindu organizations. As a result, a bandh (shutdown) was called in Bhainsa town on January 1, 2025.

In a swift and efficient operation, Bhainsa police solved the Nagadevatha temple robbery case within 48 hours, apprehending two culprits whose actions had outraged the community and led to a bandh in the town.

The breakthrough in the case came from a meticulous analysis of CCTV footage and forensic evidence. During the robbery, the suspects—Vishal and Sangha Ratan—unknowingly got turmeric and vermilion (pasupu and kumkuma), used in temple rituals, smeared on their clothes. This crucial detail was identified in the CCTV recordings.

SP Janaki Sharmila explained that police carefully examined footage from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m., the time of the incident, from cameras installed along the town’s entry points. They identified one of the suspects based on the turmeric and vermilion stains on his clothing, raising suspicions and leading to his interrogation.

Under questioning, the suspect confessed to the crime, revealing the involvement of his accomplice and their motive to fund New Year celebrations. Both suspects were arrested, and the stolen items were recovered.

SP Janaki Sharmila praised the dedicated efforts of Bhainsa ASP Avinash Kumar, Town CI Gopinath, and the police personnel involved in the investigation. She lauded their quick response and attention to detail, which ensured the case was resolved promptly, restoring a sense of security among the town’s residents.

The incident has highlighted the importance of advanced surveillance systems and coordinated policing in tackling crimes effectively. Devotees and community leaders commended the police for their swift action, while also calling for enhanced security measures at religious sites to prevent similar incidents in the future.