Overview
- Unknown intruders forced open the Mahankali sub-temple gate, took a silver crown from the presiding deity and emptied a hundial (donation box) before dumping the box in another part of the complex.
- Temple priests discovered the loss during morning prayers and filed a complaint that prompted police to open a formal probe and form special teams to investigate.
- Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from the temple complex but have not reported any arrests or recoveries so far.
- Devotees and temple stakeholders have voiced anger over recurring thefts at Basar, citing a previous break-in in August 2024 that led to one arrest and arguing officials must improve protection.
- The Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam is the area's sole Saraswathi shrine and draws millions of visitors and large annual donations, raising fears that repeated lapses could harm both worshippers' trust and the temple's revenue unless security is strengthened.