Pedakakani police have arrested a 26-year-old priest in connection to the theft of gold mangalsutras from Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Pedakakani in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh and recovered around 68 grams of gold.
The accused was identified as Kondaveeti Randeep, son of Nataraju, a resident of Pathuru village in Pedakakani mandal. He had been working as an contract archaka at the temple.
Guntur North DSP Ch. Murali Krishna, Inspector T. Peda Narayana Swamy, Sub-Inspectors Ch. Suresh and D. Ramakrishna and others addressed a press conference at the police station on Wednesday, following the arrest of the accused Randeep.
According to the police, Randeep was familiar with the temple premises and its layout, and would observe the areas around the sanctum. On August 18, 2026, he allegedly entered the temple and stole gold mangalsutras from the deity, and concealed them. Later, he allegedly attempted to sell the stolen ornaments, police said.
During the investigation, police questioned the accused, who allegedly confessed to the theft and led the police to the gold ornaments kept in his possession, resulting in their recovery.
The recovered property includes a gold coin chain weighing approximately 50 grams, two gold mangalsutras and a gold chain weighing around 18 grams. The total gold recovered was approximately 68 grams.
Police said that the recovered ornaments were identified as those stolen in the crime registered under Sections 305(d) and 303(2) of the BNS at Pedakakani police station.
Police arrested Randeep on September 2 and would be produced before the court. Further investigation is underway.
Published – September 02, 2026 11:44 pm IST
