Jagtial temple robbery: Photos of 3 burglars released; manhunt launched

Jagitial: Jagitial police released photos of three robbers who looted 15 kg of silver ornaments worth Rs 9 lakh from Sri Anjaneya Swamy temple at Kondagattu in Jagtial district. The footage released on Friday, shows three persons wearing T-shirts, hooded jackets, face masks, and saffron shawls.

The thieves decamped with about 15 kg of silver ornaments worth Rs 9 lakh. The accused took 15 minutes to decamp, despite security around the temple. The incident happened on February 23 evening. Priests came to know about the incident when they the shrine early in the morning to perform Subrabhata. Immediately, Jagatial DSP R Prakash visited the spot with teams, and the dog squad, and collected evidence. Devotees were allowed after the samprokshana ritual was performed on Friday evening.

According to the police, three men entered the temple through the rear gate, broke the lock of the sanctum sanctorum, and looted 12 silver articles one makara thoranam, four satagopam, four sathagopuram, one ramaraksha, one umbrella, and two crowns.

The DSP has formed 10 special teams to nab the burglars. Police are keeping a close watch on all exit points. CCTV footage is also being scanned for clues. Sri Anjaneya Swamy temple is one of the revered shrines in Telangana. It is guarded by one ASI, four home guards, and 8 security personnel.

A few weeks back, Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao allocated Rs 500 crore to redesign the Anjaneya Swamy temple at Kondagattu in the Jagtial district. Officials are planning for the redevelopment of the temple into a major pilgrim center in the country. The temple was planned to be redesigned by Vaishnava norms.