Kundapur : Silver masks, cash from the hundi and other items from Shree Tirumala Venkataramana temple in Vandse near here were found to have been stolen.The priest saw the main door open with its lock broken open in the August 2nd , when he came for morning puja.

Temple administration and the renovation committee was immediately informed to the police. This temple which was renovated recently stands in the middle of the town Approximately, the total value stolen is estimated to be around Rs 80,000. Theives could steal after breaking open six locks including the main door. Some of the missing items include a special umbrella used for the deity, flag, silver mask and cash from the hundi. The thieves were clever enough to steal the currency notes and leave the coins on the spot.since they were heavy to carry. Documents stored in the drawer of a table were also tampered.

Several pieces of the silver plates fixed to the teak wood box with nails also made of silver, were intact since the thieves could have run out of time, though these plates were easy to remove. One could come to such a conclusion after finding tools used for the theft were abandoned at the spot. Though the temple understood the importance of installing CCTV, it could no do so due to financial constraints. Most of the missing items were donated by the devotees to the temple. This theft has taken place, though everyday, the police patrol the area.

Police officials visit the spot and found fingerprints. Sniffer dogs were press into service immediately to get clues of the direction in which the thieves must have moved, A case was registered with Kollur police.

A theft also took place at the nearby Shree Bhadramahakali temple. It is suspected that it is handiwork of the same group. More devotees visit the temple and put alms on Saturdays. Hence the thieves must have taken this day to break into the temple.

Footages from CCTV camera’s fixed in the different locations in the town are sought and looked into.. Thefts of cows in the past week were also reported.