Despite all assurances given of a speedy probe into the theft that took place at the historic Sri Simhavahini Mahankali Temple at Lal Darwaza in Old City early Wednesday morning, investigators appear to have hit a roadblock with no clue emerging about the offenders.
The case was transferred to the Central Crime Station (CCS) on Thursday.
A senior police official said that the Uppal police took into custody some persons involved in temple thefts.
“We suspect that the detained persons belong to Sahu’s gang.We are questioning them,” he said.
Though police have questioned several suspects, no breakthrough has been made so far.
Sahu could not be questioned as he is allegedly absconding.
And though they have nothing to indicate his involvement, Sahu’s gang members are on the radar.
“At least two persons we questioned have given contradictory versions. We are not hopeful of a breakthrough soon and the case may take longer to crack,” they said.
The Sri Simhavahini Mahankali temple opened Friday morning after priests from Srisailam performed rituals for cleansing the temple.
Hundreds of devotees thronged the place even as the police tightened security measures in the wake of inputs that some trouble-mongers could take advantage of the situation.
Though Old City remained calm, policemen patrolled the streets and Rapid Action Force (RAF) was deployed in large numbers.
“We offered prayers in the Temple seeking the arrest of the offenders and immediate recovery of the stolen ornaments,” a 35-year-old devotee Maheswari, said after offering prayers.
Another devotee Sai Sudha said that she has belief in the power of Goddess Simhavahini Mahankali.
When people were falling prey to diseases in city sometime back, they offered prayers to the Goddess and she saved their lives.
“I believe the stolen gold and silver ornaments that were gifted by the Nizam King will be recovered soon,” she said