Nagpur: In a bizarre and audacious theft that stunned devotees, a young man allegedly stole a gold locket adorning a goddess idol at a temple in Nagpur after first offering prayers before the deity. The incident occurred at Bhagwati Mandir in the Yashwant Stadium area under the jurisdiction of Dhantoli Police Station.

According to police, the theft took place on June 1 when the accused entered the temple premises posing as a devotee. CCTV footage revealed that the youth folded his hands before the goddess idol and appeared to pray for a few moments. He then allegedly removed the gold locket from the idol’s neck and calmly walked out of the temple before fleeing the scene.

The theft came to light after temple authorities noticed the missing ornament and reviewed CCTV footage. Based on the visual evidence and subsequent investigation, Dhantoli Police identified and arrested the main accused, Irfan Hamid Sheikh (24), a resident of Hudkeshwar.

During the probe, police also apprehended his alleged accomplice, Shoeb Javed Sheikh (22), a resident of Hinganghat, for his involvement in the crime.

Police said the CCTV footage played a crucial role in tracking down the accused and solving the case within a short period. Further investigation is underway to determine the exact value of the stolen ornament and whether the duo was involved in similar offences in the past.

The incident has sparked concern among devotees and temple authorities, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures at religious places across the city.