CHENNAI: Two minors who allegedly stole four sacred kalasams from Sri Muthumariamman Temple during renovation work were arrested by the police.
The kalasams had been temporarily stored outside the temple along with other idols since June 15 due to ongoing demolition and reconstruction of the temple and the surrounding building. The theft was discovered on June 17 by temple administrator Prakash, who noticed the kalasams missing while preparing to move them for safekeeping.
Following his complaint, the Pulianthope crime wing registered a case. An investigative team identified and questioned two minors, aged 16 and 17. During interrogation, the minors allegedly confessed to stealing the kalasams and selling them to a scrap metal buyer. Police subsequently recovered all four stolen kalasams.
Investigations revealed the 17-year-old already has three prior criminal cases, including assault and ganja possession.
Both minors were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board and remanded in a government observation home. Further inquiries are under way regarding the scrap dealer involved.