KASARAGOD: The panchaloha idol stolen from Hosangadi Sri Ayyappa temple in Manjeswaram has been found within hours. The idol was found abandoned in the bushes near the temple during a search by locals and the police.

The burglary took place between 12 midnight and 5:30 am. Two hundis have been cracked open.This morning when the priest arrived at the temple, he noticed the burglary. The theft took place after breaking the lock of the main door and breaking open the door of the shrine. The offerings received on Janmashtami Day was also in the hundi.

The police have not received any information about whether the theft was carried out by one person alone or by more people.