Temple theft case accused held in Pune

ALAPPUZHA: Reju (23), of Nooranad was arrested by the Mavelikkara police on charges of stealing gold ornaments worth about Rs 2 lakh from the idol of Sree Krishna at the famous Mavelikkara Sree Krishna Swami Temple in the wee hours of July 4. He was arrested from Pune. Reju, the first accused in the case, will be brought from Pune, the police said. The golden cap, which adorned the idol of the Lord, is believed to have been sold by the main accused to a merchant in Pune. The police will try to recover it and bring it back. Portions of the ‘aramani’ (chain around the waist) was recovered from the second accused, Sahin Kumar alias Rajesh (35) of Neyattinkara, arrested on Saturday.