Mumbai: Gold, Diamond Ornaments Worth Rs 1.75 Crore Stolen From Jain Temple in Lalbaug; Probe Launched

In a shocking incident, an unidentified thief decamped with gold ornaments and a diamond ornament worth approximately ₹1.75 crore from a Jain temple located in Lalbaug. The theft took place at the temple managed by the Avighna State Munisurat Swami Shwetambar Murtipujak Jain Sangh Trust. Following the incident, Kalachowki Police have registered a case of housebreaking and launched a special operation to nab the accused.

According to police, the stolen valuables include multiple gold ornaments adorning the idol of Lord Simandar, along with a diamond ‘tika’. The theft came to light early Monday morning.

Jayesh Jain, an executive member of the trust, stated that the temple houses an idol of Bhagwan Simandar decorated with diamond-studded gold ornaments. The temple remains open for devotees from 5 am to 9 pm and is managed by three priests.

On Monday at around 5 am, a priest named Krishna arrived at the temple and noticed that the lock was broken. Upon entering, he found that the ornaments on the idol were missing. He immediately informed the trustees, following which Jayesh Jain and others rushed to the spot.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the theft occurred between 9 pm on March 29 and 5 am on March 30. The Accused allegedly broke open the temple lock and stole gold ornaments worth ₹1.5 crore along with a diamond tika valued at ₹25 lakh, taking the total value of stolen property to around ₹1.75 crore.

Based on a complaint filed by Jayesh Jain, Kalachowki Police have registered a case against an unknown person and initiated further investigation.

Police have obtained CCTV footage from the temple and nearby areas and have successfully identified the suspect. Officials stated that the Accused will soon be arrested along with the stolen valuables.