Stolen idol recovered, gang held

KANNUR: Police Friday arrested four persons in connection with a the burglary of a 75-year-old Panchaloha idol, weighing about five kg, from Eachilam Mahavishnu Temple in Aralam, near Iritty, on July 6 and recovered the idol from a river bank at Virajpet in Karnataka State. According to police, M Vinod (34) of Aralam in Kannur, M Shamsudheen (45) of Thalikulam in Thrissur, P P Madhu (38) of Kambil in Kannur and M Raveendra of Virajpet in Karnatka, working as carpenters in Virajpet, were arrested last night and today from Iritty. Police said Vinod, who was also involved in many theft cases, went missing after the incident and reached his house yesterday when he was arrested.


During interrogation, he reportedly confessed to the burglary by the gang. Following his confession, Vinod was asked the other gang members to come to Iritty after which they were arrested.


Vinod told his accomplices about the Eachilom Temple, located near his house and planned the burglary.


The gang reached Irrity on July 4 and burgled the idol on July 6. The gang aimed to sell the idol later and hid it on the banks of Kadkani Naladi River, in a plastic bag. Police said interrogation was on to recover the gold and silver ornaments adorning the idol.
They would be produced late in the evening before the Mattanur JFCM.