Authorities are currently probing a shocking case of sacrilege following a break-in at the Vuniniudrovo Ram Krishna Hanuman Mandir in Sawani. Thieves made off with significant items, including cash, a television set, a standing fan, and crucial components of the temple’s CCTV system, which has sparked serious security concerns within the local community.
Temple president Salesh Karan revealed that the theft appeared to be carefully planned, highlighting the theft of the CCTV camera decoder as particularly detrimental. “The biggest loss is the camera decoder. The rest of the system can be reconnected, but without that decoder, we’ve lost critical footage,” Karan noted.
In light of the incident, Karan announced plans to upgrade and reinstall the temple’s security system, although he expressed apprehension about the potential for future targeting of the temple. He remarked, “We may have to increase security and even have people come and sit at the temple in the evenings.”
Reports from community members detailed suspicious activity prior to the break-in, which further exacerbated Karan’s concerns. There had been sightings of vehicles slowing down near the temple, suggesting a level of premeditation regarding the theft. “Just two nights ago, a car stopped outside at night. This looks like planning,” Karan observed.
Despite this setback, Karan remains optimistic that existing footage from other cameras could provide useful evidence for the police investigation. He has pledged to cooperate fully with law enforcement to help identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Emphasizing the rising trend of targeted crimes nationwide, Karan called for enhanced vigilance and a more significant police presence during nighttime hours, highlighting that similar incidents occur frequently. “Almost every month we hear of one, two, even three such cases around the country. At night, especially after 11pm, there are people roaming around,” he stated, urging police to adopt a more proactive approach.
Karan also appealed to local residents to keep an eye on their surroundings and report any suspicious behaviors. “My request to neighbours is to keep an eye on what’s happening around you. It’s not just temples — even houses are being targeted,” he cautioned, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action against the rising crime rate.
As the investigation continues, this incident starkly illustrates the critical importance of community vigilance and fortifying security measures to safeguard both places of worship and residential areas.