Silver Shivling worth Rs 25 lakh stolen from Nirmaan Vihar temple
A silver Shivling valued at around Rs 25 lakh was stolen from a Shiv temple in Nirmaan Vihar, East Delhi, on Monday. The daring overnight theft was captured on CCTV cameras. The incident took place in the Preet Vihar police station area, triggering concern among local residents and devotees.
According to the police, two unidentified men entered the temple premises late at night and stole the silver Shivling from the sanctum sanctorum. The theft came to light early in the morning when temple trustees arrived to perform daily worship and found the Shivling missing. A complaint was immediately lodged, following which the police registered a case and launched an investigation.
Police officials said the entire crime was recorded on CCTV cameras installed inside the temple. The footage shows the accused entering the temple calmly and carrying out the theft without any hurry. One of the suspects is also seen trying to damage a CCTV camera installed near the sanctum, apparently to avoid identification. However, the camera was not completely disabled and continued recording the incident.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused entered the temple through a pathway inside a nearby park, which connects to the temple complex. After gaining entry, they walked straight to the sanctum where the silver Shivling was installed. The Shivling, made of solid silver and used regularly for religious rituals, is estimated to be worth around Rs 25 lakh. “The suspects attempted to break the CCTV camera, but their attempt failed. Their faces and movements have been captured clearly,” a police officer said. “We are analysing the footage to identify the accused and trace their escape route.”
After the theft, the two men were seen leaving the temple premises with the Shivling and fleeing the area. Police believe the accused may have conducted a prior recce of the temple, as they appeared familiar with the layout and security arrangements.
