Devastation and Defiance: Man Robs Temples in Tragic 'Revenge' Against God After HIV Diagnosis

In a deeply unsettling case that has emerged from Chhattisgarh, a 32-year-old man, grappling with the life-altering diagnosis of HIV, confessed to embarking on a bizarre spree of temple robberies, claiming his actions were a form of 'revenge' against God. Shankar Suryavanshi, a resident of Balodabazar-Bhatapara district, has been apprehended by police for allegedly pilfering cash and ornaments from over two dozen temples across multiple districts, including Balodabazar, Mahasamund, and Raipur.

Suryavanshi's narrative is one steeped in despair.

According to police reports, his world crumbled after he tested positive for HIV following a routine blood test. Overwhelmed by anger and a profound sense of injustice, he began to blame a higher power for his devastating condition. In a twisted act of defiance, he decided to target temples, believing that by robbing these sacred places, he was exacting a form of retribution against the God he held responsible for his fate.

His modus operandi was as peculiar as his motive.

Before each robbery, Suryavanshi would reportedly offer prayers inside the very temples he intended to loot. This ritual, he explained, was part of his personal, misguided crusade. He would then proceed to steal money from donation boxes and valuable ornaments adorning deities, treating them as spoils of his desperate 'vengeance'.

The police have confirmed that he confessed to more than 24 such incidents, detailing his activities across various locations.

Upon his arrest, Suryavanshi reportedly expressed remorse for his actions, yet maintained the underlying motive stemmed from his anguish over the HIV diagnosis. The authorities have recovered a significant portion of the stolen goods based on his confession, further corroborating his claims.

This includes various ornaments and a sum of money, which were found hidden in his possession.

The tragic case of Shankar Suryavanshi highlights the extreme psychological toll of a severe illness, particularly one like HIV, which can carry immense social stigma and personal devastation. Married with children, Suryavanshi's desperate acts underscore a desperate plea for agency in the face of a perceived insurmountable personal tragedy, manifesting in a profoundly misguided and criminal manner.

Police continue their investigation, piecing together the full extent of his temple raids and the items he managed to acquire during his vengeful spree.