Police in Chhattisgarh have arrested a man responsible for thefts at multiple temples in the Durg area. The 45-year-old suspect focused his efforts on donation boxes, forcing them open to steal the money inside. He would then vanish, making it difficult to gather evidence.
The arrested individual revealed a shocking motive for the temple robberies: revenge against God. He explained that he became infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) during his imprisonment for an assault case in 2011-12. This experience led to a loss of faith.
The man stated he chose temples as targets to ‘show God his place’. He confessed to committing ten thefts at temples in Durg and surrounding areas. However, the police are investigating the possibility of accomplices. The suspect never touched any jewelry in the donation boxes. To avoid identification, he would change his clothes before and after committing the thefts. He always parked his scooter far from the temple premises. His most recent theft occurred at a Jain temple on August 23-24, which led to his arrest the following day. The police launched an investigation after a complaint was filed, utilizing CCTV footage and the Trinetra app, ultimately apprehending the suspect. The thefts began after his release from jail in 2012.