Tirupati Police Arrests Man For Stealing Three Golden Crowns From Govindarajaswami Temple; Recover 1.3 Kg Melted Gold

Tirupati police on Monday (22 April) arrested a man alleged to have stolen three golden crowns from the temple and recovered melted gold from him, reports News Today.

The accused had taken three golden crowns of the presiding deities from one of the biggest temple complexes in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati Sri Govindarajaswami Temple. The crowns, which were studded with precious stones, were subsequently melted by him.

The police have transferred the melted 1.3 kg gold to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD),

Ancient Heritage Compromised

The Govindaraja Swamy Temple is separate from Tirumala, but is managed by TTD and is a prominent temple in the town. Govindaraja Swamy is often referred to as the brother of Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala.

According to the police, the theft in the temple, which dates back to the twelfth century, is suspected of having taken place at the time of evening prasad offerings.

Also Read: Karnataka Top Source For Stolen Artefacts: 12 Idols Stolen In Past 6 Years, None Recovered