When will the thefts in the temples that are creating problems for law and order stop ?
Incidents of thefts are occurring frequently in not only the small temples in Maharashtra, but many big temples too. Now shocking cases of thefts are coming to the fore even in temples where CCTV is installed and that have many security guards. Therefore, instead of depending on the Police Administration, the temple management should take the initiative to set up a competent security system to protect the temple wealth. This view was expressed by the State Coordinator of the ‘Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh’, Mr Sunil Ghanwat.
Recently, a large amount of gold and silver ornaments on the body of Goddess Shri Renukamata temple in Nagar District (Shevgaon, Amarpur) has been stolen. This temple, besides having CCTV cameras has five security guards. In that case the question ‘how did the theft happen ?’ arises. It is noted that thefts are being carried out by studying the loopholes in the security system. Besides Shri Renukamata temple, last month Shriram temple in Dombivli was robbed despite having CCTV. Hence, the temple management should not remain under the illusion that there will be no more thefts because of the security guards or CCTV cameras. We never have reports of thefts in mosques, churches, gurdwaras or other religious places of worship; why then the thefts happen only in Hindu temples ? It is the duty of the temple management and also the devotees to keep the temple wealth safe. Hindu society needs to be vigilant about thieves in temples. Besides, the Maharashtra Government should also devise a policy in relation to thefts in the temples and thereby prevent these thefts, said Mr Ghanwat.
