Key Takeaways:
- Two minors detained over theft at Hanuman temple in Sarlahi
- Silver ornaments and donation box reported stolen
- Police say motive appears to be theft not religious hostility
- Authorities warn against disturbing communal harmony
Police have arrested two minors, aged 16 and 13, on suspicion of stealing silver ornaments from a Hanuman temple in Malangwa Municipality-4, Sarlahi.
According to a statement issued by the District Police Office, Sarlahi, a police team apprehended the two from the temple premises after receiving information about a theft at around 3am on Sunday.
The stolen items include a silver crown, garlands, a tilak and other silver ornaments used to adorn the idol of Lord Hanuman. Police said the temple's donation box was also reported missing, but it has not been recovered.
Citing the temple priest, police said the stolen ornaments had been kept in the donation box. The amount of money inside the box, if any, has not been determined.
Police have withheld the identities of both suspects because they are under 18. Preliminary investigations suggest that they had previously been involved in theft cases and had been released from a juvenile correctional facility, according to the statement.
Police urge public not to give incident communal colour
Police have urged the public not to link the incident to any religion or community, saying preliminary findings indicate that the theft was motivated by an intention to steal rather than religious or communal considerations.
The District Police Office said it would identify and take legal action against any other people found to have been involved.
It also cautioned against activities that could disturb religious or communal harmony, warning that those involved in such acts would face action under prevailing law.
Further investigation is underway, said Inspector Kishor KC, acting spokesperson and information officer at the District Police Office, Sarlahi.