Kundapur
Police have successfully cracked a temple donation box theft case reported at the Umamaheshwara Temple in Ajri village of Kundapur taluk, arresting two accused and recovering stolen property worth approximately 1.5 lakh.
According to the complaint, an unidentified person wearing a helmet entered the outer premises of the temple stole the donation box before fleeing the scene. Based on the complaint, Shankaranarayana police registered a case and launched an investigation.
A special team was formed under the guidance of Kundapur sub-division DySP H D Kulkarni and Circle Inspector Santosh A Kaikini. The team included PSI (Law & Order) I R Gaddekar, PSI (Investigation) Akshaya Kumari S N, and other staff members with support from the district technical cell.
After sustained investigation, police traced and arrested the accused Sandeep Achari (28), a resident of Mathadamane, Kamalashile in Kundapur taluk, and Muthappa Sharanappa Walikar (40), a resident of Banahatti in Kushtagi taluk, Koppal district. The accused were apprehended from Ilkal in Bagalkot district.
During the operation, police recovered the motorcycle allegedly used in the crime, three mobile phones, and the stolen donation box belonging to the temple. The total estimated value of the seized items is around 1.5 lakh.
Officials said both accused have been produced before the court and remanded to judicial custody.
Police highlighted that coordinated efforts between multiple units helped trace the suspects across districts quickly and ensure recovery of stolen property. The case has been resolved within a short time frame, bringing relief to temple authorities and local devotees.