Kerala priest arrested for stealing temple items worth ₹2.5 lakh, selling them to scrap dealer

Kallambalam (Kerala): A priest has been arrested in connection with the theft of temple items worth around Rs 2.5 lakh from the Valiya Karaykode Bhagavathy Temple at Navaikulam, Kerala.

The accused, Prince, 27, also known as Appu, a native of Meenambalam in Parippally, had been working as the temple’s head priest. Kallambalam police arrested him following an investigation into the missing items.

The theft came to light during an inventory conducted by temple authorities as part of preparations for the annual festival. Several items, including large brass oil lamps, hanging lamps, iron lamps, large copper vessels, bells, copper utensils and so forth, were found missing.
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Theft allegedly took place over several months

Appu took charge as head priest on June 1. The theft is suspected to have occurred between June 6 and October 21, with the items allegedly taken away in several instalments.

The missing articles were noticed when a substitute priest arrived during the accused’s leave. Temple authorities subsequently began checking the inventory and lodged a complaint with the police.

Appu stayed away from the temple after the inspection began. Over the past two days, he arranged for another priest to open the temple instead of attending in person.

During police questioning, Appu reportedly admitted to selling the stolen temple articles, valued at around Rs 2.5 lakh, to a scrap dealer. 

The accused was remanded to judicial custody.