Telangana Teen Arrested For Stealing Cash And Gold From Several Temples

A 19-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly carrying out a series of thefts at temples across Telangana's Adilabad district, with police claiming he confessed to stealing cash, gold, silver ornaments, and other religious valuables from multiple places of worship. The accused, identified as Kolayam Kashinath, a resident of Dasanapur Colony in Adilabad town, was apprehended following a vehicle checking operation conducted by local police. Authorities said the arrest marks a significant breakthrough in a string of temple theft cases reported over the past few months.

According to Adilabad Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) L. Jeevan Reddy, Kashinath worked as a computer operator and allegedly turned to theft after developing a habit of spending money on lavish activities and seeking quick financial gains. Police said the accused was intercepted during routine vehicle checks in Adilabad town, but allegedly attempted to flee when officers signalled him to stop. After a brief chase, he was taken into custody, and during interrogation reportedly confessed to his involvement in multiple temple burglaries.

Investigators revealed that the thefts occurred between March and July across Adilabad town, Bheemapur, and Talamadugu mandals. The stolen property included cash collected in temple hundis, silver eyes offered to deities, silver ornaments, silver hands, silver idols, gold jewellery, gold conches, brass bells, and several other religious articles. Police have registered a total of 11 cases against the accused, including two each at Adilabad Two Town, Bheemapur, Talamadugu, and Mavala police stations, besides three cases at Adilabad One Town Police Station.

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During the investigation, police also found that the accused had allegedly sold the stolen gold and silver items to a local gold trader, identified as Lokaji Vishwanath, who operates a jewellery business on Ashok Road in Adilabad. Authorities have registered a separate case against the trader for allegedly purchasing stolen property despite being aware of its illegal origin. Police said the probe is continuing to determine whether any additional persons were involved in the disposal of the stolen valuables.

Police recovered 30 tolas of silver ornaments, 2.5 grams of gold jewellery, two silver eyes, one silver nameplate, a Honda Shine motorcycle bearing registration number TG 01 1828, two mobile phones, and Rs 2,150 in cash from the accused. Officials reiterated that strict action will be taken against individuals involved in thefts at temples and other religious places, as well as against those who knowingly purchase stolen property. They added that efforts are continuing to safeguard religious institutions and ensure that offenders are brought to justice.

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