Sacrilege Strikes Delhi: Gold-Plated Kalash Worth Rs 40 Lakh Stolen from Jain Temple

In a shocking incident that has sent ripples of distress through Delhi's religious community, a sacred gold-plated kalash and chattra, valued at a staggering Rs 40 lakh, have been brazenly stolen from the revered Shri Digambar Jain Temple in Laxmi Nagar. The audacious act of sacrilege, which unfolded in the dead of night, was meticulously captured by the temple's CCTV cameras, providing crucial evidence for the ongoing police investigation.

The tranquility of the temple was shattered on the morning of February 14th when devotees arrived for their daily prayers, only to discover the precious ornaments missing.

The kalash, a holy urn often placed atop temple domes, and the chattra, a ceremonial umbrella, held immense religious significance and monetary value, making their disappearance a profound loss for the Jain faithful.

Investigations immediately pointed towards a meticulously planned heist. The CCTV footage, now a focal point of the police probe, reveals three masked figures executing the theft with chilling precision.

Around 1 AM, the perpetrators gained entry to the temple premises by scaling the roof, demonstrating a clear understanding of the temple's layout and security vulnerabilities.

Once inside, the thieves spent approximately 10 to 15 minutes, moving silently and efficiently. One individual, distinguishable by a mask, while the other two had their faces covered with cloth, expertly gathered the valuable items, carefully placing them into a bag they had brought along.

Their exit strategy mirrored their entry, as they vanished into the darkness, making their escape through the same rooftop route.

Following the discovery, a First Information Report (FIR) has been promptly filed at the Laxmi Nagar police station. The case has been registered under sections 457 (Lurking house-trespass or house-breaking by night in order to commit offense punishable with imprisonment) and 380 (Theft in dwelling house, etc.) of the Indian Penal Code.

Delhi Police have launched a comprehensive investigation, analyzing the CCTV footage, gathering forensic evidence, and actively pursuing leads to identify and apprehend the culprits responsible for this deplorable act.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and an outpouring of concern from religious leaders and residents alike.

The community is united in its demand for swift justice, hoping that the perpetrators of this sacred theft are brought to justice and the invaluable articles are safely returned to their rightful place of worship. This brazen act serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in protecting places of worship from such impious intrusions.