Cachar Police has arrested two thieves within 24 hours of theft in Shani Mandir at National Highway Point, Silchar on Sunday. The theft incident took place on Friday late night and early hours of Saturday morning. The thieves looted jewellery and damaged the idol of Shani Mandir.
The arrested accused identified as Anik Da, Son of Ajit Das of Chalta Basti PHE Tilla under Dwarbond Police Station and Pallab Das son of Tapan Das of Silcoorie Camp No.7, Under Ghungoor Police Station. Both are under investigation.
Police confirmed that a gold chain, the golden eye of the idol, and two silver bracelets have been recovered so far. Forensic and fingerprint analysis conducted at the temple played a key role in identifying the culprits.
Also Read: Theft in Silchar Shani Mandir, Idol Vandalised, Ornaments Worth Lakhs looted
Briefing the press, Cachar SSP Numal Mahatta said, “We immediately launched an investigation after receiving the report. Using technical analysis and forensic evidence, we arrested the culprits within 24 hours. Anik Das, who had recently been released from jail after another crime under Dwarbond Thana, was the prime accused, with Pallab Das as his accomplice. They even tried to sell the stolen ornaments to a jeweller, who has also been detained. Most of the items have been recovered, and efforts are on to trace the rest.”
Interestingly, CCTV footage from inside the temple showed Anik Das bowing before the idol of Lord Shani just moments before committing the crime.
Addressing concerns of inadequate night patrolling, SSP Mahatta assured the public that police surveillance in Silchar would be strengthened. Meanwhile, during the early hours of Saturday, locals attempted to block the road in protest of the theft, but the situation was quickly brought under control by police intervention.
