Kochi: Former head priest (Melshanthi) of Matharath Devi Temple in Vennala, Aswanth (32), was arrested for stealing the ‘Thiruvabharanam’ (sacred ornaments). The new head priest who took charge expressed his doubts over the purity of the ornaments adorning the idol and informed the matter to the temple authorities. They then filed a complaint with the Palarivattom police.

Aswanth was arrested by the inspector of Palarivattom police station, Sanal and his team which was headed by Deputy commissioner V U Kuriakose following the instructions from the City Police Commissioner.

Police said that he has previous records of carrying out similar thefts in other temples. Kannur Azhikode native Aswanth stole the gold ornaments and replaced them with fake gold ornaments, said police.