Temple heist in Guruvayur: Sacred jewels and cash looted

THRISSUR: A major robbery occurred last night at the Palakkal Bhagavathi Temple in Kazhumallur, Thaikkad, near Guruvayur. Thieves made off with over seven sovereigns of gold, including sacred deity ornaments (Thiruvabharanam), and ₹1.25 lakh in cash stored in the office locker.

Stolen Valuables

The stolen jewellery includes three necklaces dedicated to the Goddess, ornamental beads (manipottukal) belonging to Lord Ayyappa, and several thalis offered by devotees as offerings. In addition to the gold, the cash kept in the office cupboard was also looted.

Modus Operandi

The culprit is believed to have entered the premises by scaling the temple's western wall, where police found footprints and flattened grass. To enter the office, the thief forced open the tower bolt of the double-leaf door. Once inside, they broke the shutter of the strong room to access the locker. Evidence suggests an unsuccessful attempt was also made to break into another internal room.

Discovery and Investigation

The theft was discovered this morning when temple staff arrived to open the shrine and noticed that all the lights had been switched off.

Upon receiving the report, MLA Murali Perunelly and Guruvayur ACP S. Suresh visited the temple to inspect the scene. The Guruvayur Police have officially registered a case and initiated a forensic investigation to identify the perpetrators.