Police have arrested a suspect in connection with a burglary at a Hanuman temple on Sea Shore Road and recovered the stolen cash, officials said.
The incident occurred at Hanuman Mandir during the night of March 13, when an unidentified individual allegedly broke into the temple premises and stole money from the donation box. The accused was later identified as Nayan Bar, a resident of North and Middle Andaman.
Police said information about the burglary was received at Police Station Aberdeen on March 13. Based on the complaint, officers initiated an investigation and conducted enquiries in the surrounding area.
According to investigators, the theft took place between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Authorities said the suspect allegedly broke two main locks to gain entry into the temple before targeting the daan-peti, the donation box used for offerings.
Police said the accused used a metal rod to pry open the box and removed the cash kept inside. The amount stolen was estimated to be between Rs 4,000 and Rs 5,000.
During the investigation, officers examined CCTV footage from the area and carried out technical verification, which helped identify the suspect. Authorities later traced and detained the accused within a few hours of the complaint being registered.
Police said Rs 4,250 in stolen cash was recovered during the course of the investigation. Officials confirmed that the recovered amount corresponds to the money taken from the donation box.
According to police records, the accused has been involved in previous theft cases and is known to law enforcement agencies. Authorities said two to three cases of theft had earlier been registered against him.
Investigators stated that the accused had been living in the area for approximately six to seven years. He was reportedly working and residing near the local fish landing centre.
Officials said the suspect disclosed the location of the stolen cash during questioning, which led to its recovery. The recovered amount has been secured as case property.
Police indicated that the motive behind the crime may have been linked to personal expenses or possible substance use, though further investigation is underway.
Following the arrest, the accused was produced before the court. The court remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody while the investigation continues.
Authorities said the case has been registered under relevant legal provisions related to burglary and theft. Further legal proceedings will continue as part of the investigation.
The incident occurred at a place of worship frequently visited by residents in the area, and the case has drawn attention due to the theft from the temple donation box.
