In Vadavalli, Coimbatore, a temporary priest, Sreevatsangan, was arrested for stealing jewelry from the Arulmigu Kari Varadaraja Perumal Temple. The theft was discovered during a routine check by temple authorities.
Coimbatore: A bizarre incident unfolded in Vadavalli, where Sreevatsangan, a 40-year-old temporary priest, was arrested for stealing significant temple jewelry. Sreevatsangan, originally from Alandur in Kanchipuram district, had been residing in the area and serving at the temple since last month.
The theft came to light on 23rd when officials from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department were conducting an inspection. During this, approximately 14 grams of gold, including a sacred necklace and beads, were found missing and replaced with fakes. Harshini, the Deputy Commissioner of the Subramaniya Swamy Temple, filed a complaint at Vadavalli Police Station leading to a detailed investigation.
Upon interrogation, Sreevatsangan confessed to stealing the items and selling them at a major jewelry store on Periya Kadai Street, where he exchanged the jewels for cash. The police were able to recover the stolen items and further arrested the temple priest. It is noteworthy that Sreevatsangan had previously served a 60-day jail term for a similar theft at the Kodandaramar Temple in Pudupettai last year where he stole 8 grams of gold and 7 kilos of silver.
The theft came to light on 23rd when officials from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department were conducting an inspection. During this, approximately 14 grams of gold, including a sacred necklace and beads, were found missing and replaced with fakes. Harshini, the Deputy Commissioner of the Subramaniya Swamy Temple, filed a complaint at Vadavalli Police Station leading to a detailed investigation.
Upon interrogation, Sreevatsangan confessed to stealing the items and selling them at a major jewelry store on Periya Kadai Street, where he exchanged the jewels for cash. The police were able to recover the stolen items and further arrested the temple priest. It is noteworthy that Sreevatsangan had previously served a 60-day jail term for a similar theft at the Kodandaramar Temple in Pudupettai last year where he stole 8 grams of gold and 7 kilos of silver.