Kasargod: A complaint has been filed against a priest for stealing gold jewelry from Sri Mangesh Mahalakshmi temple in Manjeshwar Hosabettu.

The accused has been identified as Deepak Namboodiri from Kerala. He allegedly stole the gold ornaments of the idol and replaced them with fake ones.

It is said that Deepak was appointed as the priest of the temple on October 27.

On October 29, Deepak went to the market and did not return to the temple. His phone too was switched off. However, on November 1, a new priest, Sridhar Bhat was appointed.

Sridhar noticed that Goddess Mahalakshmi’s jewelry was fake and informed the authorities.

When tested, it was found that they were fake and the authorities suspected Deepak of theft.

Following this, a case was registered against Deepak.