Gold chains snatched from devotees at temple festival in Tiruvannamalai

What Happened

Gold chains weighing around 20 sovereigns, including a mangalsutra, were stolen from three devotees during a temple consecration ceremony in Tiruvannamalai town on Sunday. The event took place at the Kaliamman temple located on the Girivalam Path. Police stated that the consecration was held after nearly three decades, which caused a heavy crowd to gather along the 14-kilometre-long path.

Investigation

Unidentified persons used the massive rush to target and rob the attendees. The victims include 36-year-old K. Amudha from Nallavan Palayam, who lost a 10-sovereign gold mangalsutra, along with 58-year-old R. Malliga from Kaveriyampoondi village and 47-year-old T. Vasantha from Tiruvannamalai town. The Tiruvannamalai Town police registered a case regarding the thefts. Special police teams are currently checking CCTV camera footage along the route to track down and catch the suspects.

Context

Large religious gatherings and crowded temple festivals frequently attract pickpockets and thieves who take advantage of dense crowds to target jewellery. Police authorities usually deploy special squads and review video surveillance during major public events to curb such crimes and recover stolen valuables.