Chennai, February 3: In a shocking incident, gold crowns adorning the deities at a Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh were stolen by unidentified miscreants on Sunday. According to police, the three golden crowns that went missing, were studded with precious gems and were adorned by Lord Govinda Raja Swamy, Bhudevi and Sri Devi. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the incident took place at the Govinda Raja Swamy temple at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. Tirupati urban superintendent of police KKN Anmburajan was quoted in the HT report saying that a manhunt has been launched with six teams headed by two sub-divisional police officers to nab the culprits. Seven Ashtadhatu Idols Stolen from Ram Janaki Math Temple at Narghoghi in Bihar. 

According to the HT report, the crown adorning deity Govinda Raja Swamy weighs about 528 grams while those of Sri Devi and Bhu Devi weigh 528 grams and 408 grams respectively. According to details by Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanams (TTD) Assistant Executive Officer Kola Bhaskar, the theft came into light at around 10.30pm on Saturday. As soon as the incident was reported, the TTD’s vigilance wing immediately informed the police.

Bhaskar was quoted in the report saying after the evening ritual of naivedyam was offered to the deities, the main doors of the temple were closed. He added that when the doors were re-opened half-an-hour later, they were shocked to find the gold crowns missing. He said as there were no visitors after naivedyam, the police think that one of the temple staffers is likely to be involved in the theft.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 03, 2019 01:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).