Mangalore : Police have released sketch of a suspect behind the theft of ancient idols worth several crores of rupees from the Siddantha Bhavan in Guru Basadi Complex, Moodbidri on July 5, Friday night.

Mangalore Police Commissioner Manish Kharbikar said the sketch has been prepared based on the details furnished by some people regarding a person who was lurking suspiciously in the area. He said the sketch has been sent to police stations across the state and also other neighbouring states to make the task of apprehending the culprit easy.

He also revealed the plans to shift the remaining valuable idols in the Basadi to the bank locker. As he Jain Mutt seer is on a foreign tour a decision would be taken as soon as he arrives back.

On the CCTV footage of the Basadi, the Police Commissioner said the thief was cautious and was wearing a monkey cap and hand gloves to conceal his identity. The Basadi management has also sealed the windows of the Basadi following the theft.