Vadodara: The probe into the attempted burglary at the Mahakali Temple in Pavagadh has led the Panchmahal police to an image of the burglar, clearly captured in CCTV footage. The man, however, covered his face with a mask.
According to the police, the temple trust has not made any declaration about a theft so far. Officials said that the case presently concerns only an attempted theft. If the trust discloses that some items are missing, provisions pertaining to theft will be added to the offence.
The incident took place at around 1.30am on Monday when a man managed to reach the temple after scaling a steep climb of the Pavagadh mountain and then using a pipe that led to the temple premises above. The man allegedly tried to enter the temple through its door and then through a ventilator on the exterior wall of the temple above the ‘garbha griha'.
Sources said that the manner in which the accused managed to climb the hill and the temple indicated that he was well-versed with the area. A source also mentioned that the ventilation opening itself is not known to many, including regular visitors to the temple. The police have been questioning the security personnel and others working in the temple and other establishments in Pavagadh.
"We are treating the case as a top priority. To ensure that we do not ignore any angle, we are keeping all possibilities in mind," said Panchmahal superintendent of police Himanshu Solanki.
According to sources, the trustees of the temple have also been camping in Pavagadh in the wake of the incident. Steps are being taken to prevent such incidents in the future. The attempt has surprised many, as the temple is guarded by both private security guards and State Reserve Police personnel.