Thieves stole a silver crown from a Tuljabhavani temple in Pune within 24 hours of its reinstallation, police said Friday, embarrassing administrators who had just recovered an earlier theft.
The crown, valued for both its metal content and religious significance, was bolted into place after devotees funded a replacement following a burglary last month.
Temple trustees said surveillance cameras malfunctioned overnight, suggesting the perpetrators monitored security gaps.
Pune city police deployed a special team to review pawnshop records and scrap-dealer transactions that often absorb stolen ritual objects.
Worshippers expressed anguish that a second theft occurred despite heightened volunteer patrols and police promises of permanent guarding.
Investigators are questioning artisans who worked on the crown for leads on who might have known the installation schedule.
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Sources:
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/pune-temple-theft-goddess-tuljabhavanis-crown-stolen-again-within-24-hours-of-reinstallation-10738655/