CHENNAI: Police have arrested a serial offender for breaking open a temple donation box ( hundi) and stealing cash in the Neelankarai area.

A sum of Rs. 5,000 has been recovered, and a two-wheeler used in the crime has been seized.

The incident came to light when M. Mathi, the administrator of the Sri Devi Thandu Tulukkanathamman Temple on Poonnyamman Koil Street in Injambakkam, filed a complaint at the Neelankarai police station.

According to the complaint, he had locked the temple on the night of December 16 and discovered the following morning (December 17) that the lock on the donation box (hundi) was broken and the money inside was missing.

Acting on the complaint, a team led by an Inspector from the Neelankarai police station conducted a swift investigation and apprehended the accused, identified as Honestraj (35), from Chromepet, Chennai.

During interrogation, it was revealed that Honestraj is a history sheet criminal with a long record at the Chromepet police station.

involved in approximately 20 prior cases, including three attempts to murder, 11 thefts, and highway robberies.

Police recovered the stolen Rs. 5,000 from his possession and impounded the motorcycle used to commit the crime.

The arrested accused was produced before a court after questioning. Following judicial orders, he has been remanded to judicial custody.