Antique idols from temple stolen in Asifabad

Kumram Bheem Asifabad: Some unidentified persons stole two antique idols from Sri Balaji Venkateshwara Swamy Devasthanam in Sirpur (T) town late on Sunday night. The incident came to light on Monday. A third idol which the miscreants had taken was found on the premises of the shrine later.

Sirpur Sub-Inspector M Ravi Kumar said the unknown persons decamped with two idols made of five metals and dating back to 800 years installed in the temple.

The thieves made away with the idols after breaking open the doors of the ancient temple. Priest Satyanarayana Sharma realized this when he opened the doors in the morning. An unidentified person was seen moving in CCTV footage at the shrine.

Based on a complaint lodged by Sathyanarayana, a case was registered and investigations were taken up. A CLUES team and a dog squad were deployed to trace the culprits. Superintendent of Police M Suresh Kumar said the thieves would be arrested soon. He along with Koutala Inspector Budde Swamy inspected the temple.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders Dr Palvai Harish warned that the party would launch extensive agitation if the culprits were not arrested within two days. He alleged that negligence of police resulted in the theft of the idols. He termed the incident as an attack against the Hindu religion.