The Dholka Town Police team successfully solved the mystery of a temple theft gang on Sunday, seizing property worth lakhs and arresting one accused. Based on a tip-off, the police team carried out an operation, arresting a notorious accused and seizing property worth lakhs of rupees. This gang had been targeting sacred religious sites for a long time, stealing valuable umbrellas and jewelry before fleeing.

There were reports of fear and outrage across the region following the increasing incidents of theft in ancient temples located in various areas. Moreover, to solve this serious matter connected to the faith of devotees, the Superintendent of Police gave special instructions and formed separate teams. During the investigation, the police succeeded in reaching the accused through footage of the theft at the Meladi Mata temple in Nesda village and technical sources.

Action taken under Dholka police investigation

The police surveillance team captured the main accused using modern technology and human intelligence.

All stolen items, including silver umbrellas and valuable footwear, have been recovered from the arrested individual.

The police also legally seized the rickshaw and mobile phones used by the accused in the crime.

In this successful operation, the personnel worked hard under the direct guidance of the local Police Inspector A.K. Desai.

The person in police custody, named Anand alias Morlo, has confessed that he committed several crimes along with his accomplices. Therefore, information from sources indicates that the police are now conducting raids at various locations to catch other members of this gang. Consequently, there is a strong possibility that other fugitive criminals connected to this network will soon be behind bars. Preliminary investigation has revealed that Anand alias Morlo was previously involved in many suspicious activities, which the police are investigating in depth.

Theft of items worth 21,000 had occurred at the Meladi Mata temple in Nesda village, after which the police intensified surveillance. However, property worth a total of 2.26 lakh has been seized from the arrested accused, which solves the mystery of many other thefts. According to received information, the seized goods include several pure silver jewelry items that were stolen from various temples. The police caught accused Anand alias Morlo red-handed while he was trying to sell this goods and have started further investigation.

Details of seized property and police success

The items seized by the police include various silver umbrellas and decoration items of the goddess.

A legal inventory of seized property worth a total of 2 lakh 26 thousand rupees has been prepared.

It has been revealed that the accused used a CNG rickshaw to easily target deserted temples at night.

A formal crime has been registered in this regard at the Dholka Town Police Station, and all valuable items have been kept safe in the storeroom.

During interrogation, the accused admitted to having committed thefts in small temples located in remote areas like Bhaatgam and Rithpur as well. On the other hand, this gang was also active in the Sarkhej area of Ahmedabad and had committed a theft at a well-known temple there as well. Additionally, the accused told the police that they would scout unattended temples and break locks to enter late at night. The individual named Anand alias Morlo has also given the police the names of two other absconding accomplices, and efforts are underway to catch them.

According to investigation details, this gang not only targeted silver but also repeatedly attacked cash and donation boxes kept in temples. Moreover, investigation has revealed that they also committed theft at the Harsiddhi Mata temple in the Chiyada and Bareja regions. According to received information, it is suspected that this group would sell the stolen goods at cheap prices and spend the money on luxuries. Finally, the police have adopted a strict stance on this matter and have taken the important decision to increase night patrolling in the area to prevent such incidents in the future.

List of main temples targeted for theft

Valuable items were also stolen from the Jogni Mataji temple located on Bhaatgam and Saroda Road.

The mystery of the theft at the famous Harsiddhi Mata temple in Chiyada village has also been successfully solved in this investigation.

This gang also broke into the temples of Chachar Mataji and Samapir and took away valuable items.

The accused has confessed that they made several unsuccessful or successful attempts to commit theft at temples on

Meladi Mata temple

The Meladi Mata temple is a Hindu shrine located in the village of Meladi, in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India. Dedicated to the goddess Meladi Mata, a local form of the mother goddess, the temple has a history deeply connected to the region’s folklore and is believed to have been established centuries ago by the Jadeja Rajput community. It remains an important pilgrimage site, especially during the annual Navratri festival, attracting devotees seeking blessings and protection.

Nesda village

Nesda village is a small, remote settlement located in the Zanskar region of Ladakh, India. Historically, it served as a crucial stop along ancient trade routes connecting the Indian subcontinent with Central Asia, and its name is derived from the local term for “a place of juniper trees.” Today, the village is known for its traditional mud-brick houses, Buddhist monasteries, and the resilient lifestyle of its inhabitants, who rely on agriculture and livestock herding in the harsh high-altitude desert environment.

Harsiddhi Mata temple

The Harsiddhi Mata Temple, located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Harsiddhi, a form of Shakti. Historically, it is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where the goddess’s elbow is believed to have fallen, and it features a unique “Shri Yantra” carved into the temple floor. The temple’s architecture blends Maratha and Rajput styles, with its twin towers and deep-rooted connections to local legends attracting pilgrims for centuries.

Chiyada village

Chiyada Village is a historic settlement in Japan, known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and rural landscapes that reflect the country’s agrarian past. Its history dates back centuries, with roots in the Edo period when it thrived as a farming community. Today, Chiyada serves as a cultural site where visitors can experience authentic Japanese village life and heritage.

Bhaatgam

Bhaatgam is a small village in Gujarat, India, known for its historical and religious significance, particularly its ancient stepwell and temple complex. The site features a 12th-century stepwell, the Munsar Talav, built by the Solanki dynasty, showcasing intricate architecture and serving as a vital water source. Its rich history reflects the region’s medieval prosperity and the engineering prowess of the era.

Rithpur

Rithpur is a historic village in the Amravati district of Maharashtra, India, known for its ancient rock-cut Buddhist caves and stupas. These caves, dating back to the 2nd-3rd century CE, reflect the region’s rich Buddhist heritage and were likely part of a monastic settlement. The site offers valuable insights into early Buddhist architecture and the spread of Buddhism in central India.

Jogni Mataji temple

The Jogni Mataji temple, located in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to the goddess Jogni Mata, an incarnation of Shakti. Historically, the temple is associated with local legends and is believed to have been built several centuries ago, serving as a spiritual center for devotees seeking blessings and protection. Its architecture reflects traditional Rajasthani styles, and the site continues to attract pilgrims, especially during festivals and religious fairs.

Chachar Mataji temple

Chachar Mataji temple is a revered Hindu shrine located in the Chachar village of Rajasthan, India, dedicated to the goddess Mataji (a form of the Mother Goddess). The temple holds significant cultural importance for local communities, particularly during the annual fair held in her honor, which attracts devotees seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being. Historically, the site is associated with local legends and traditions that have been passed down through generations, though specific historical records of its origin are limited.