Lucknow temple caretaker arrested for stealing bells from Buddheshwar Temple

A sevadar at Lucknow's Buddheshwar Temple was arrested after locals alleged he was removing a brass bell. The case has angered devotees and raised fresh concerns over security at the temple.

In Short

• The accused helped manage arrangements for the temple's daily Shringar Aarti
• Devotees had reported brass bells disappearing from the premises for days
• Locals detained him on Wednesday evening after spotting another removal attempt

A temple caretaker has been arrested for allegedly stealing brass bells from the historic Buddheshwar Temple in Lucknow's Para area, with police claiming to have recovered one of the stolen bells from his possession.

The accused, identified as Golu alias Gaurav, was employed as a sevadar (caretaker) at the temple and was reportedly associated with arrangements for the daily Shringar Aarti. According to police, he was apprehended after local residents and devotees allegedly caught him carrying away a temple bell.

The arrest follows a series of complaints regarding the disappearance of temple bells from the Buddheshwar Temple premises over the past several days. The repeated thefts had raised concerns among devotees and local residents, prompting them to remain vigilant around the temple.

On Wednesday evening, locals claimed to have spotted the accused allegedly attempting to remove another brass bell from the temple. They detained him and informed the police. Authorities later said a temple bell believed to have been stolen was recovered from his possession.

MAY HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN EARLIER THEFTS

Police suspect the accused may also have been involved in earlier bell thefts reported from the temple, although the extent of his alleged involvement is yet to be established. Investigators are examining the recovered material and other evidence to determine whether he was linked to previous incidents.

Several local residents, including Sunny, Vishal and Rakesh, submitted a written complaint at Para police station, seeking strict legal action against the accused. The complaint also noted that the Buddheshwar Temple is maintained under the supervision of the district administration.

Based on the complaint, Para police registered a case and launched an investigation. Officials said the probe is underway and further legal action will be taken on the basis of evidence gathered during the investigation.

The incident has sparked anger among devotees, particularly because the accused was entrusted with temple duties. Many residents have expressed concern over the security of the temple premises and have urged the district administration and police to strengthen surveillance and security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Police have not yet disclosed whether additional recoveries have been made or if any other individuals are suspected to be involved. The investigation is continuing.

- Ends
With inputs from Ankit Mishra