Barabanki: A daring theft at the renowned and ancient Avasaneshwar Mahadev Temple in Haidergarh, Barabanki, has sent shockwaves through devotees after shocking CCTV footage revealed the brazenness of the crime. The incident, which took place inside the sanctum sanctorum, has deeply hurt religious sentiments and raised serious questions over security arrangements.
According to police investigations, the theft began around 2:30 am on Tuesday night when a thief broke open the eastern side channel gate of the temple and entered the premises. CCTV footage shows a man wearing shoes entering the sanctum and attempting to remove the silver argha. When he failed to dislodge it by hand, the accused placed his foot on the sacred Shivling and used full force to uproot nearly 9 kilograms of silver ornaments. In an apparent attempt to avoid identification, the thief was also seen switching off bulbs inside the temple.
Investigators suspect the involvement of three to four individuals who had conducted prior reconnaissance of the temple, as the culprits appeared aware of blind spots not covered by CCTV cameras. The entire act continued for nearly one-and-a-half hours, during which extensive damage was caused inside the shrine.
The incident has also exposed glaring lapses in police vigilance. During the time of the theft, a Dial 112 police vehicle was reportedly stationed on the road outside the temple. Despite the prolonged duration of the crime, the personnel present failed to notice the incident, triggering anger among local residents and devotees.
Superintendent of Police Arpit Vijayvargiya has constituted three special teams, including the crime branch, to crack the case. Police are scrutinising CCTV footage from nearby roads and the Purvanchal Expressway to trace the escape route of the accused. Sources said a few suspects have been detained based on electronic surveillance, and further interrogation is underway.
