Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur
Kundapur, Sept 6: A man who broke into a temple and stole silver ornaments from the sanctum sanctorum has been sentenced to one year in prison, as the First Additional Civil and JMFC Court in Kundapur delivered its verdict.
The court found Rajesh Naik guilty of stealing a 3 kg silverornamental arch worth approximately Rs 1.10 lac, which was installed on the idols of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman at the Shri Rama Mandir in Padukone, Nada village.
The theft took place on the night of July 13, 2020, when Rajesh Naik and his co-accused Padma allegedly broke the main lock of the temple, gained entry, and then forced open the lock of the inner sanctum before removing the silver ornament.
Following a complaint, a case was registered at the Gangolli police station, and the investigation was led by then Byndoor circle inspector Santosh Kaikini. Based on the findings, a detailed charge sheet was submitted against both accused.
Delivering the verdict, judge Shruthishree, presiding over the First Additional Civil and JMFC Court, said the evidence clearly established Rajesh Naik’s involvement in the crime and sentenced him to one year of rigorous imprisonment.
Due to the non-appearance of the second accused Padma, the court decided to separate the proceedings and continued the trial solely against Rajesh Naik.
Speaking on behalf of the prosecution, Rajshekhar P Shamarao, assistant public prosecutor (APP) of Byndoor, successfully argued the case, leading to the conviction.