Maharashtra: Six with swords loot Vajreshwari temple

BHIWANDI: Six masked robbers armed with swords allegedly looted over Rs 7 lakh from Shree Vajreshwari Yogini temple here early on Friday. They threatened the security guard, tied him up and looted cash from five donation boxes. The incident has been captured by CCTV cameras in the temple.

Thane (rural) superintendent of police Dr Shivaji Rathod has formed five teams, including Ganeshpuri police station and crime branch.

On seeing the security guard, Kathod Kode (52), the six beat him up and tied his hands and legs, threatening him not to raise an alarm. Police said they then opened the temple door, broke open five donation boxes and stole the cash. Gold and silver ornaments adorning the deity were spared.

Kode later freed himself and approached a trustee, who informed Ganeshpuri police station. Police said their teams checked CCTV footage and found six were involved, of which five entered while one kept a watch outside.

The temple authorities initially claimed around Rs 15 lakh had been stolen, but after a detailed panchnama, police registered a case of robbery of Rs 7.10 lakh. Trustees claimed the cash was donated by devotees, mostly during the recent Navratri fair.

To protest against the incident, residents shut shops, demanding the arrest of the accused, and the temple too was closed till afternoon for investigations. Senior Thane police, including additional superintendent of police Sanjay Patil, assured devotees and residents that they would nab the culprits very soon.

The temple, built in 1739, is dedicated to goddess Vajreshwari, and thousands from across the country visit it daily. Ganeshpuri police assistant inspector Parshuram Londhe said an offence under IPC section 394 (voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery) was registered against the robbers and a probe is on.