3 Gujarat men arrested for stealing Rs 50 lakh silver idol from Karnataka temple after tracking it through social media

New Delhi: More than a month after a valuable silver idol was stolen from the historic Sri Pavada Basaveshwara Temple in Basarakod village of Karnataka’s Vijayapura district, police have arrested three interstate thieves from Gujarat who allegedly planned the theft after spotting the idol in social media videos.

Investigators said the accused used online platforms, including YouTube and Instagram, to study the temple before travelling hundreds of kilometres to execute the crime.

Temple idol worth Rs 50 lakh stolen

The theft took place on July 6 at the centuries-old Sri Pavada Basaveshwara Temple in Muddebihal taluk. The accused allegedly stole a 32-kg silver idol of Basavanna, valued at around Rs 50 lakh, prompting a major investigation.

Initially, police suspected the involvement of local criminals. However, technical evidence and digital investigation eventually led investigators to an interstate gang operating from Gujarat.

Social media reels helped accused plan theft

According to police, the accused had been searching online for temples that housed valuable idols. During their search, they came across videos and reels featuring the Basarakod temple and noticed the silver idol.

After gathering more information through YouTube and Instagram, they travelled from Gujarat in a car, carried out the theft, and fled the state.

Following a month-long investigation, police arrested Sureshkumar Soni (51), Brahmar Nat (35), and Indrajit Nat (33), all residents of Gujarat.

CCTV footage cracked the case

Investigators reviewed CCTV footage from areas surrounding the temple and identified a vehicle bearing the Gujarat registration number GJ-01-KS-4317 near the crime scene.

The vehicle’s movements provided a crucial lead, enabling police to trace and apprehend the suspects.

Silver melted down after theft

Police said the accused had already melted the stolen idol into silver ingots in an attempt to destroy evidence.

During the operation, officers recovered:

23 kg of silver ingots
4 kg of cut pieces from the original idol
Rs 67,000 in cash
The car used in the crime

The total value of the recovered property has been estimated at Rs 52.70 lakh.

The successful operation has drawn praise for the Vijayapura police, who tracked down the interstate gang despite the suspects travelling across state borders to commit the theft.