In Harij, a shocking theft occurred at the Ambaji temple, which is significant to the Patel community. Two thieves broke into the temple on Thursday night and stole valuable silver ornaments in just eight minutes. The temple priest, Madanlal Sadhu, was conducting prayers and fell asleep. When he opened the temple for morning Aarti, he found the main door to the sanctum was broken. He quickly informed Ashokkumar Maftlal Patel, the trustee of the temple. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the thieves had taken a 400-gram silver crown and ten silver plates weighing a total of 600 grams, amounting to a theft valued at around 70,000 rupees. CCTV footage showed two individuals entering the temple premises. They were seen carrying metal tools such as a crowbar and a chisel. According to Niravbhai Shah, the Police Inspector of Harij Police Station, they are currently examining CCTV footage from surrounding areas and have started actions to catch the thieves. The theft at the temple has caused outrage within the Patel community, and there are calls for the culprits to be caught quickly.
This incident is part of a worrying trend of thefts in Gujarat. In Surat, for example, thieves have been particularly active in the Amroli area, stealing high-value vehicles. Recently, they stole a Hyundai Creta worth 8.5 lakh rupees in a similar break-in, using an electric remote to unlock the car after breaking its window. This pattern of theft is not just limited to vehicles. In Jahangirpura, thieves broke into an ATM within just 15 minutes, stealing 15 lakh rupees using a cutter. They wore masks to conceal their identities and escaped in a Bolero car. The police have launched investigations based on CCTV footage of these incidents.
The rise in crime is alarming. In Aravalli, thieves targeted a locked house, stealing jewelry and cash worth lakhs while the owner was away. The police responded promptly after being informed but have faced criticism for their efficiency. In Wadhwan, two residential houses were also looted, with over 5.75 lakh rupees stolen, raising questions about police effectiveness in the area.
Local residents are becoming increasingly frustrated with the rising crime rates. They feel that despite repeated incidents, police action has not been sufficient. During a meeting, community members expressed their concerns, demanding better security measures and proactive police action.
In response to the Ambaji temple theft, community leaders are calling for increased vigilance and security in places of worship. They believe that temples should be better protected as they hold cultural and spiritual significance for many people.
The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. They are also working to enhance security measures in temples and public areas to prevent such incidents in the future. The theft at the Ambaji temple is a wake-up call for everyone in the community to work together to ensure their safety and security. The police have reassured the public that they are working diligently to apprehend the culprits and restore peace of mind in the community.
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