Authorities in Chhattisgarh have arrested a man linked to multiple temple thefts in the Durg region. The suspect, aged 45, primarily targeted donation boxes within the temples. He would break into them, steal the cash, and leave no trace behind.
The man revealed his motivation for the temple robberies was revenge against God. The individual contracted Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) during his time in jail after being involved in an assault case in 2011-12. He cited this as the reason for losing his faith in God.
The accused stated that the aim was to ‘show God his place’. He admitted to carrying out ten thefts at temples in and around Durg. Police are exploring the possibility of additional involvement. The suspect would change clothes before and after the thefts to avoid being identified on CCTV. He also made it a practice to park his scooter a distance from the temples. The recent theft occurred at a Jain temple on August 23-24. The police apprehended him the next day following an investigation that used CCTV footage and the Trinetra app. The thefts began in 2012 after his release from jail.