Nagapattinam, September 24, 2013: In two cases of break-ins at Amman temples here in Vedaranyam, gold chains adorning the presiding deity and temple offertory (hundis) were stolen from the temple premises.

Thieves stole two gold chains together weighing about eight sovereigns adoring the Kamakshiamman deity at the temple in Ayakaranpulam here.

The offertory had not been opened for nine years had been hauled away by the robbers.

The hundi was found broken over a water tank nearby the temple.

Dog summoned

In the second incident, a similar break-in was reported at the Malaimariamman temple, where the temple offertory was found broken on the temple premises and cash looted. A sniffer dog was brought in at the crime scene and a case has been registered by Vaimedu police.

A similar robbery was committed at Ekarambareshwarar temple in the proximity of these temples in early 2012 and six bronze icons were stolen. However, these icons were later recovered.

Source: The Hindu, September 24, 2013