In a major breakthrough, the Jagatsinghpur police have successfully dismantled an antique idol theft racket, recovering more than 50 stolen idols. Three brothers were arrested for their alleged involvement in the thefts, which took place across multiple districts, including Cuttack, Khordha, Jagatsinghpur, and Puri.
On Friday, Barada Prasanna Acharya and Annada Prasanna Acharya were arrested by Balipatna police of Khordha district, followed by the arrest of their elder brother Sarada Acharya on Saturday from Chandhei village.
Following their arrests, authorities, with the help of local residents, exhumed the stolen idols, which included brass cobra idols and other antique temple artifacts. The idols had been buried beneath the Acharya brothers’ house.
Bhubaneswar DCP Pinak Mishra shared details of their modus operandi, stating, “The trio used to target temples, stealing valuables and burying them to avoid detection.” Authorities are investigating whether the crimes were part of an organized racket and whether other crimes are linked to the brothers.
The Jagatsinghpur SP Bhabani Shankar Udgata confirmed that the police were still working to uncover additional stolen items, as the brothers admitted to burying more idols. The investigation continues, and individuals who purchased the stolen idols will also face legal action.
