The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Saturn’s rings around duo

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 22, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Saturn’s rings around duo

Staff Reporter

Stolen idols of Shanimahatma and his vehicle, the crow, have been recovered by the police

BANGALORE: Shanimahatma (Shaneshwara) is one of the most revered and feared deities. Scores of people believe that they will undergo a long spell of misery if they speak light of Shanimahatma.

According to Hindu scriptures, unlike other gods, Shanimahatma does not bestow boons but only punishes the sinners.

But all this did not scare two young men who allegedly struck at a Shanimahatma Temple and stole the “panchaloha” idols of the god and his vehicle, the crow.

Arrested

But they were traced and arrested and the Kadugondanahalli police on Thursday recovered from them the two idols, made of 300 grams gold, 10 kg silver, copper, bronze and brass, worth Rs. 6 lakh.

The police said the two, Anand (20) of Kadugondanahalli and Altaf (20) of Thirumenahalli Cross, had entered the temple at Thirumenahalli Cross, on Devanahalli Road in the early hours of Tuesday by cutting open the window grills and had stolen the idols. But they soon ran out of luck and were caught by the police while they were trying to sell the idols.

Kadugondanahalli police inspector S.N. Gangadhar, who was instrumental in arresting the accused, said: “Shanimahatma has proved his power. Barely 48 hours after committing the crime, the two are cooling their heels behind bars.”

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