Vaishno devi temple: Security guard, aides held for theft

Investigations by the police have revealed the involvement of security guard in the theft of crown, ornaments and cash, all worth Rs 80,000, from the Vaishno Devi Temple in Pimpri Camp. A theft was reported in the temple in the early hours of February 29. An offence in this case was registered with Pimpri police station. During investigation, police questioned the security guard at the temple. He was identified as Kamal Bahadur Shahi (20), a native of Nepal and currently residing in Yatri Nivas, Pimpri.

Police said there was no consistency in the statements given by him. During sustained interrogation, Shahi admitted to his involvement in the theft. He told the police that he committed the theft with the help of his accomplices.

Accordingly, police arrested Khyamraj Shahi (21) and Ramesh Bahadur Shahi (35), both natives of Nepal and who used to stay with him in Yatri Nivas. A search is on for three more accomplices.

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Police said they had stolen crown of the goddess, some gold and silver ornaments on February 28 night. They also fled with some money by breaking the donation box in the temple.

Shahi told police that they hid the stolen valuables in the caves inside the temple. He then locked the temple and gave the keys to trustee Ashok Khangeja.

After some time, the security guard broke the latches of the outer gate and let his men move out. Pimpri police are investigating the case.