Lucknow: Burglars broke into a prominent Hanuman temple in Lucknow and stole silver crowns and ceremonial umbrellas adorning multiple idols, along with the CCTV digital video recorder (DVR), in what police said appeared to be an attempt to destroy evidence. The incident occurred during the intervening night of Aug 2 and 3 at Shri Sankat Haran Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple on Birbal Sahni Marg under the Mahanagar police station limits.Police and temple authorities said the thieves broke open three locks at the temple entrance and forced open the shutter to gain access to the sanctum. The theft was discovered around 5:30 am on Monday when priest Dinesh Kumar Dixit arrived to open the shrine for morning rituals. He found the locks broken and lying outside and noticed the shutter had been forced. Inside, he saw that silver ornaments placed on the idols were missing.Investigators said the burglars stole nine silver crowns and three silver ceremonial umbrellas (chatras) from idols of Lord Hanuman, Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, Lord Lakshman and Lord Ganesha. Police added that five silver crowns placed on the heads of the Panchmukhi Hanuman idol and a large silver umbrella were also taken. Temple authorities estimated the total value of the stolen ornaments at about ₹36 lakh.The priest informed the temple’s founder, RP Sharma, and his son Pawan Kumar Sharma, who later submitted a written complaint to police. When officers attempted to review CCTV footage, they found the DVR missing and parts of the surveillance system damaged, strengthening suspicion that the recording device was removed deliberately.A forensic team inspected the premises and collected evidence. Police said they are scanning CCTV footage from nearby roads and commercial establishments to identify the accused and trace their route. An FIR has been registered against unidentified persons and an investigation is underway.
