Three-member gang arrested for temple thefts across A.P., Karnataka
Police in Andhra Pradesh have arrested a three-member gang responsible for a series of temple thefts across the state and neighboring Karnataka. The suspects, who targeted locked temples to steal silver ornaments, were apprehended following a surveillance operation triggered by damaged CCTV cameras.
Why it matters
The case highlights concerns regarding the security of religious sites and the growing trend of organized crime targeting cultural and religious heritage for financial gain.
Police reportedly arrested three persons in connection with temple thefts across Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, and seized 21 kilograms of silver ornaments, melted silver lumps and a two-wheeler, all worth nearly ₹40 lakhs from the accused.
Addressing the media here on Tuesday, Superintendent of Police (SP) P. Jagadeesh said that the accused reportedly wore masks on their faces, gloves on their hands and sprayed colours on CCTV cameras while committing thefts at the temples. The arrested have been identified as Kurapati Sai Kumar and Kanumukkala Chand Basha, both from Anantapur district, and Gundappagari Sudam from Parigi mandal in Sri Sathya Sai district.
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