Robbers loot temple by drilling hole into sanctum sanctorum

Sources said that a gang entered the Kuberaperumal temple on the girivalam path by drilling a hole behind the sanctum sanctorum. The precious items kept in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple included gold-plated shields that used to adorn the lord on festival and other days, besides a 12-sovereign crown of the main deity and Rs 80,000 in cash from the hundi.

The temple on the girivalam path was closed after latenight poojas on Friday and when it was opened on Saturday morning the collections from hundi were found strewn on the floor. 

Suspecting foul play, the staff checked the sanctum and found that the jewels of the deity were also stolen. Later, when they inspected the entire premises, a hole was found behind the sanctum sanctorum. 

On information, police rushed to the Perumal temple along with forensic and fingerprint experts. 

Cops suspect that the gang would have gained access through an abandoned canal behind the temple. 

Forensic experts and the police team also searched the canal for possible clues. 

It may be recalled that in April during the ‘Chitra Purnami’ the hundial of nearby Kuberalingam temple was broken open and several lakhs of rupees were stolen. A second burglary in the same area has caused much anxiety to the devotees.