The temple has been a target for burglaries, as theft has occurred on the premises many times in the past few years.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Burglars decamped with gold ornaments and cash from hundis at a Vinayaka temple in Chengam town in Tiruvannamalai on Thursday.
Around 7 a.m., a few sanitation workers alerted the temple authorities that the main grill gate of the temple was damaged. Temple authorities rushed to the temple and found that the lock of the sanctum sanctorum was broken. Gold ornaments and cash from hundis were stolen.
Based on an alert, the Chengam police inspected the spot with the help of fingerprint experts and sniffer dogs. A case was registered. CCTV footage on the route is also being analysed to nab the suspects.
The temple has been a target for burglaries, as theft has occurred on the premises many times in the past few years. Police said that the isolated location of the temple and the lack of security measures could have been the reasons for regular thefts. Further probe is under way.
Published – September 04, 2026 12:14 am IST
