A three-member inter-State gang that targeted temples was arrested and ₹22 lakh worth gold and silver ornaments recovered from them by the Anantapur police.
Superintendent of Police P. Jagadeesh on Saturday (October 04) told media persons that the gang stole gold, silver, brass and copper ornaments and articles from nearly 18 temples in various parts of the district and also in neighbouring districts. They have also committed theft of gold jewellery from two houses in Kalyandurgam mandal.
The arrested trio have been identified as — V. Marriswamy alias Sangeet and V. Raju of Makodiki village in Shettur mandal and M Srinivasulu of Shettur mandal headquarters. Mr. Jagadeesh said the three are good friends and got addicted to vices like gambling and alcohol. They incurred huge debts to meet their expenses, and to repay them they started committing property offences.
Mr. Jagadeesh said they targeted houses and temples that are constructed on the outskirts of villages and entered them by breaking open the locks. The SP said the gang was involved in thefts in temples in three police station limits of Karnataka and are also facing cases in Kalyandurg police limits for gambling.
Police recovered 12.350 kilo silver and 44 grams gold ornaments and brass and copper articles from the accused.
Published – October 04, 2025 04:47 pm IST
