Maharashtra Man Arrested for Temple Thefts in North Goa

A man from Maharashtra has been arrested for allegedly breaking into temples in North Goa. Vinod Patekar was apprehended in connection with thefts at a Hanuman temple in Mandrem, where he stole cash and gold ornaments, and another temple in Keri. Police recovered the stolen items using CCTV footage.

A man from Maharashtra was arrested on Friday for allegedly breaking into temples in North Goa, according to an official statement.

Mandrem police apprehended Vinod Patekar from Oros in Sindhudurg district for thefts at a Hanuman temple in Mandrem, where he stole Rs 10,000 in cash and gold ornaments worth Rs 20,000 from the idol. He is also accused of breaking into a temple in Keri.

Police identified Patekar as the suspect based on CCTV footage from the area and successfully recovered the stolen gold and cash.

(With inputs from agencies.)