Shimla: Ashtadhatu Idol Stolen from Kali Mata Temple, Police Begin Investigation

Shimla, March 23: A shocking incident of theft has come to light in Shimla, where an Ashtadhatu idol was stolen from the Kali Mata temple, located in the New Shimla police station area. The temple, situated in Sector 2 of New Shimla, was targeted on the night of March 21, as per a complaint filed with the local police.

According to the complaint, unidentified thieves broke the lock on the temple’s main gate and made off with the idol of Mata Kali, along with some cash from the donation box. It was only the following morning that the local residents discovered the theft. Shocked by the incident, they immediately alerted the New Shimla police, who swiftly launched an investigation.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the thieves carried out the theft in a highly planned and methodical manner. After breaking the lock, the intruders proceeded directly to the idol and the donation box, which contained money. This has led authorities to believe that the thieves might have had prior knowledge of the temple’s layout and the valuable items inside.

The police have begun reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding areas to gather any possible clues that could lead to the identification and apprehension of the culprits. Sources within the police suggest that the theft was not a random act, but rather a deliberate and calculated crime. The fact that the thieves went straight for the idol and the donation box without any apparent disruption to other parts of the temple indicates their familiarity with the premises.

As of now, the police have not been able to identify the thieves, but the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are hopeful that the CCTV footage, along with additional forensic evidence, will help them track down those responsible. The theft of religious idols and valuables is a concern for the local community, as incidents like these have occurred previously in Shimla.

In the past few months, there have been reports of similar thefts targeting temples in the region. Recently, the Sai Baba temple, located in the Baluganj police station area, was also burgled, with thieves making off with valuables. The recurrence of such incidents has raised alarm among the residents of Shimla, who are now calling for increased security measures in temples and religious sites across the city.

Local authorities have assured the public that they are taking the matter seriously and are working tirelessly to solve the case. In response to the recent surge in temple thefts, the police have also begun planning more proactive security measures, including the installation of more surveillance cameras and increased patrols in sensitive areas.

Meanwhile, the residents of New Shimla are deeply disturbed by the incident. Many expressed their shock and dismay at the brazen theft of a revered idol from a place of worship. “It is disheartening to see such crimes happening in our peaceful town. The temple is a sacred place, and people come here to pray for peace and blessings. To think that someone would violate such a place is truly sad,” said a local resident.

As the investigation progresses, the police are urging anyone with information related to the theft to come forward. The authorities are also asking the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in the area.

The theft has cast a shadow over the community, but with the police actively investigating, there is hope that the culprits will be brought to justice soon.