Ancient Temple Idols Recovered, Thieves Nabbed in UP
Police arrest four, recover centuries-old idols in Bahraich.
In a major breakthrough, Uttar Pradesh police in Bahraich district arrested four suspects and recovered four centuries-old idols stolen from a temple in Kela village on July 28. The recovery, made on Sunday following a tip-off, has brought relief to the local community, officials said.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural) Durga Prasad Tiwari revealed that the idols, believed to be crafted from ashtadhatu, a sacred eight-metal alloy, were taken from a temple under Baundi police station limits. After the theft, Superintendent of Police Ram Nayan Singh formed multiple teams to track down the culprits. Acting on intelligence, police intercepted three motorcycles in the Gambhirwa area under Ramgaon police station, finding the stolen idols in the possession of the suspects.
The arrested individuals, identified as Kuldeep Shukla, Sahibe Alam alias Badshah, Bechan, and Farmaan, all from the Ramgaon area, confessed during interrogation. They planned to sell the valuable idols to a goldsmith for a high price, believing them to be made of ashtadhatu. Kuldeep Shukla, identified as the gang’s mastermind, has a criminal history, including charges of abduction and violations under the Gangsters Act.
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Police are now investigating potential accomplices and buyers involved in the theft. SP Singh announced a Rs 10,000 reward for the police team that successfully recovered the idols and apprehended the suspects, highlighting their swift action in resolving the case.
