Theft at Digambar Jain Temple in Jhadol; CCTV DVR Also Taken, Sanctum Sealed, Forensic Team Investigating
Udaipur, July 24 — Thieves targeted an ancient Digambar Jain temple located in Jhadol police station area of Udaipur district on Wednesday night. They not only stole silver worth lakhs of rupees but also took away a nearly 400-year-old idol of Lord Parshvanath made of ashtadhatu. The DVR of the CCTV system installed in the temple was also stolen to prevent identification.
On Thursday morning, temple priest Keshulal arrived for routine prayers and found the locks broken. Upon entering the sanctum, he was shocked to see the idol and ornaments missing. He immediately informed the Jhadol police, who reached the spot and began the investigation.
According to Jain community president Hukmichand Jain, the thieves scaled the temple’s outer wall and broke into the sanctum to steal the ashtadhatu idol of Lord Parshvanath. In addition, they took three silver umbrellas weighing about one kilogram each, two silver ritual instruments, one copper instrument, a Panduk Shila, and other worship materials. The DVR of the CCTV system was also uprooted and taken, leaving no footage of the incident.
Following the incident, police cordoned off the temple premises and called the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team to collect evidence. The sanctum has been sealed for now.
This incident has created a stir in the region. Members of the Jain community have expressed anger, calling it a blow to their religious faith. They have demanded the immediate arrest of the culprits and recovery of the stolen idol and ornaments. They have also raised serious questions about the security of religious places.
Police stated that CCTV footage from nearby areas is being examined. Investigations are underway into possible escape routes, suspicious individuals, and movements during the time of the incident.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.