Mangalore, July 16, 2013: Union Minister for Petroleum M. Veerappa Moily on Monday met Jain Math seer Charukeerti Bhattaraka Acharyavarya Swami and other disciples in Moodbidri following the theft of 15 idols from Guru Basadi on July 6.

The Math demanded setting up of a police outpost in the meeting. Swami said the Math was ready to provide the space necessary for the outpost. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) D. Dharmaiah said action in this regard will be taken in another two days. Swami told Mr. Moily about the need to have a gate installed at the popular Thousand Pillared Basadi and at the Guru Basadi. He also expressed the need for two policemen each at the two Basadis. He also asked for a police patrolling vehicle for the Basadis in the Math area.

Police Commissioner Manish Kharbikar has gone to Bhubaneshwar in Orissa where some of the idols have been recovered. Mr. Kharbikar will oversee the transfer of the recovered articles and assist in locating accused Santosh Das, from whose house the idols were recovered.

Source: The Hindu, DT. July 16, 2013.