Guirim temple burgled, silver worth Rs 1.25 lakh stolen
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
PORVORIM, OCT 26
Unknown persons decamped with the silver Utsavmurti of the Santeridevi idol worth about Rs 1.25 lakh from the Sree Bhumika Santeri Devasthan at Guirim.
According to Mapusa Police, some unknown persons broke open the lock of the side gate and after entering the temple, removed aluminum rods of the door of the ‘Garbhakud’ and stole silver Utsavmurti of idol Santeridevi, weighing 10 kilos.
Police further informed that the temple door was closed on Monday at 10 pm. However, when the Purohit entered the temple on Tuesday at 9 am to perform the Pooja, he found aluminum rods of the ‘Garbhakud’ of the temple removed and Utsav Murti stolen.
The Purohit immediately informed the committee members, who later lodged a complaint with Mapusa Police.
Police rushed to the spot and conducted panchanama and pressed the dog squad into service, but could not get any clue. Police have also taken the finger prints.
The silver idol of Santeridevi was installed in 2001 and the cost of the idol at that time was Rs 1.25 lakh, informed the police.
Police Sub-Inspector Milind Buimbar is investigating the case.
Meanwhile, a resident of Guirim, who reside alongside the temple, told Herald that this is the second time the theft has taken place in the temple.
“Few years ago, burglars had decamped with the fund box. As the devasthan is unable to depute security guard, Mapusa Police were requested to patrol this area during night,” said the resident.
“Mapusa Police used to visit this area during night, however during the last three months, there was no police patrolling,” added the resident.
