A gold mangalsutra and nanutadu, which were supposed to be around the neck of the goddess at the famous Bhramaramba Malleswara Swamy Temple in Pedakakani, have gone missing, causing concern among devotees. Temple authorities lodged a complaint with the police after jewellery worth around ₹12 lakh was found missing.
Gold Jewellery Goes Missing After Special Decoration
Special decorations were performed for the goddess on the occasion of the first Friday of the Shravana month. Two days later, while removing the decorations on Monday, the priests noticed that the mangalsutra and nanutadu were missing.
Initially, temple authorities suspected that the jewellery might have been removed accidentally during the decoration and kept somewhere else. They searched various parts of the temple, but the ornaments could not be found. Subsequently, they approached the police and lodged a complaint.
Five Priests Suspended
Temple EO Leela Kumar reportedly suspended five priests over allegations of negligence in handling the jewellery.
Those facing action include Deputy Chief Priest Jalaiah, along with Vijay Pratap, Viswanath, Gayatri Manikannashastri, and contract priest Garnepudi Girikumar.
However, the priests denied any involvement in the alleged theft. Speaking to the media, they stated that they had nothing to do with the disappearance of the jewellery.
Priest Randheer Detained by Police
Meanwhile, another significant development has emerged in the case. The family of priest Randheer alleged that police detained him and subjected him to torture for three days, allegedly pressuring him to confess to the theft.
His mother, Malleswari, alleged that police placed the missing mangalsutra in the house during a search and attempted to portray Randheer as the accused.
Family Files Habeas Corpus Petition
Randheer’s family reportedly approached the court, alleging that he had been illegally detained by the police. They said a Habeas Corpus Petition was filed seeking his release.
According to his family members, police released Randheer after learning that the matter had been taken to court.
Mystery Deepens Over Missing Temple Jewellery
The disappearance of jewellery associated with the faith of thousands of devotees, the suspension of priests, and the allegations surrounding Randheer’s detention have added further twists to the Pedakakani temple case.
The key questions now are: How did the jewellery disappear? Who was responsible? And when will the investigation reveal the truth? The answers are expected to emerge as the police investigation progresses.
