Youth detained after alleged theft attempt at Gopal Jiu Temple in Mahishadal Rajbari

A theft attempt was reported at the Gopal Jiu Temple inside the historic Mahishadal Rajbari in Purba Medinipur district on Monday, following which a young man was detained by police for questioning. The accused has been alleged to have attempted to steal brass idols donated by devotees at the temple. Temple priests and attendants reportedly caught him before he could leave the premises and informed Mahishadal Police Station.

According to local sources, regular worship rituals were underway at the temple when the youth was seen moving around the shrine in a suspicious manner. Temple attendants reportedly noticed him attempting to remove brass idols from inside the temple complex. They immediately overpowered him and later handed him over to police personnel who arrived at the spot after receiving information about the incident.

Police said the detained youth is being interrogated and investigators are trying to determine whether he acted alone or if others were involved in the attempted theft. Mahishadal Rajbari is considered one of the major heritage sites and tourist attractions in Purba Medinipur district, while the Gopaljiu Temple inside the estate attracts large numbers of devotees throughout the year.