Around 100 silver umbrellas, weighing nearly 1 kg and valued at ₹60,000, were stolen from the Ashapura Mata temple in Moti Vavdi village of Talaja taluka, Bhavnagar.
The theft came to light after four people detained by Palitana Police in connection with other theft cases allegedly confessed to targeting the temple. Following the disclosure, the temple administrator filed a complaint at Datha Police Station.
According to Shaileshbhai Vaghela, a Moti Vavdi resident who manages the Ashapura Mata temple, the priest called him and informed him about the theft. Vaghela reached the temple and found that unidentified thieves had broken the locks and entered the premises.
They allegedly stole about 100 small and large silver umbrellas that devotees had offered to the deity before fleeing. The stolen silver items are estimated to be worth around ₹60,000.
No complaint was filed immediately after the theft. However, Palitana Police later detained four suspects in connection with separate theft cases and questioned them.
During interrogation, the accused allegedly admitted to stealing the silver umbrellas from Ashapura Mata temple in Vavdi village. After receiving the information, Vaghela approached Datha Police Station and lodged a complaint against the four accused. Police have begun further investigation into the case.
The incident has sparked concern among devotees and temple authorities, who have called for enhanced security measures at religious sites to prevent such thefts in the future.
Bhavnagar: 100 silver Chhatras worth ₹60,000 stolen from Ashapura Mata temple in Moti Vavdi; four accused confess during interrogation; complaint filed at Datha Police Station.
When faith is offered in silver, even the sacred is not safe from greedy hands.
