In a significant breakthrough, the Odisha police arrested Ghanashyam Das, a notorious thief with over 40 cases of temple thefts. The arrest was made by the Nayagarh district police following an investigation into a recent theft at the Kanakya Parameswari Temple.
The Arrest and Recovery
Ghanashyam Das, also known by aliases Prakash Kumar Sahu and Santosh Kumar Das, was arrested in his hometown of Itamati in Nayagarh district. The arrest followed a complaint filed by the Kanakya Parameswari Temple authorities regarding a theft that occurred on the night of February 3rd. The temple reported the loss of 12 grams of gold ornaments, 312 grams of silverware, and Rs 21,000 in cash, totaling Rs 3 lakhs. The temple’s CCTV hard drive was also stolen.
During the press meet, Jeypore SDPO Ankit Verma stated that while the police recovered silverware and Rs 2 lakh in cash, the gold and CCTV DVR box remain missing. The arrest was facilitated by the police’s efforts in reviewing CCTV footage from the locality, even though the temple’s footage was unavailable.
A History of Theft
Ghanashyam Das’s criminal activities date back to when he was 18 years old, with his first known theft at the Kanak Durga temple in Vijayawada. Over the years, he became infamous for targeting temples, with more than 40 cases registered against him. His methodical approach and ability to operate alone made it challenging for the authorities to apprehend him until now.
Further Investigation
The arrest marks a significant victory for the Odisha police, but the investigation is far from over. The police are working to recover the remaining stolen items and to uncover more details about Das's operations. They aim to piece together his network and possibly identify any accomplices or additional crimes linked to him.
Community Response
The community and temple authorities have expressed relief and gratitude towards the police for their diligence in solving the case. The return of the silverware has been a significant consolation, although the loss of the gold and the missing CCTV footage remain concerns.
This arrest underscores the importance of vigilant policing and community cooperation in tackling crime. The Odisha police’s efforts in apprehending a seasoned criminal like Ghanashyam Das demonstrate their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of religious institutions.
