KOCHI: The residents of Kottuvally began their day on Wednesday hearing the shocking news of thefts at the Thrikkapuram Devi temple and Sree Narayana temple. The loots are believed to have been carried out by the big groups involved in temple thefts, according to the officers. The investigators suspect that both were well-planned operations by an expert gang and they also looking whether one or more gangs are involved in these thefts.
The investigators are examining the CCTV visuals from nearby areas. During the preliminary investigations, the officers spotted a tempo traveller and a car in a suspicious manner near the premises of these temples during the wee hours of Wednesday. A team led by North Paravur CI is investigating the case.
"A person, who is not familiar in the area had been offering jasmine garlands to Thrikkapuram Devi Temple for the past three days. Besides, two persons, who are also strangers to the area, approached both temple authorities seeking change and notes last week," said a temple committee member.
Meanwhile, police officers said the dog squad, forensic experts and fingerprint experts have visited the spot. Based on their examinations further inquiry would be carried out, they added. The burglars entered the sanctum sanctorum of the Thrikkapuram temple after breaking through the roof.
Apart from this a theft attempt at a nearby house was also reported on Wednesday.