Gold Urn Theft Shocks Jain Temple During Karva Chauth Festivities
In a shocking incident that unfolded during the Karva Chauth celebrations, a gold-plated kalash (urn) worth nearly ₹40 lakh was stolen from a Jain temple in northeast Delhi’s Jyoti Nagar area. The theft, which took place late on Saturday, has sent shockwaves through the local Jain community, already reeling from a similar theft of religious ornaments worth ₹1.5 crore during a recent procession near the Red Fort.
Stolen Urn Made of Precious Ashta-Dhatu Alloy
According to police officials, the stolen kalash was made of ashta-dhatu, an auspicious alloy composed of eight sacred metals—gold, silver, copper, zinc, tin, iron, lead, and mercury. The urn also contained approximately 200 grams of pure gold, contributing to its estimated value of ₹35–40 lakh. The sacred vessel had been placed atop the temple dome as part of long-standing religious traditions, symbolizing prosperity and sanctity.
Investigation Leads to Arrest of Two Scrap Dealers
The Delhi Police swiftly launched an investigation following a complaint lodged by temple authorities early Sunday morning. Acting on credible inputs, officers from Jyoti Nagar Police Station traced the suspects to different parts of northeast Delhi. By Monday, two individuals—a 42-year-old woman from Sundar Nagri and a 24-year-old man identified as Danish from New Mustafabad—had been arrested.
Both suspects are reportedly scrap dealers who were allegedly attempting to dismantle and sell parts of the stolen kalash in the local metal market. “We received a tip-off that certain parts of a temple urn were being offered for sale in the scrap market. Our team quickly zeroed in on the accused and recovered portions of the stolen item,” said a senior police officer familiar with the case.
Main Burglar Still on the Run
While parts of the urn have been recovered, the police said the “main burglar,” believed to be the mastermind behind the theft, remains absconding. Teams have been deployed across Delhi and nearby regions to locate and apprehend him. “We are confident that the main accused will be arrested soon. Preliminary investigation suggests that the theft was pre-planned and executed during the festive rush to avoid suspicion,” the officer added.
Religious Community Expresses Deep Concern
The theft has deeply disturbed members of the Jain community, who consider temple ornaments and ceremonial items not just valuable but spiritually sacred. Community leaders have demanded stronger security arrangements in and around religious sites, especially during festivals that attract large gatherings. “This is not just theft—it is sacrilege,” said a trustee of the temple. “The kalash represents purity and devotion. We urge authorities to ensure such incidents are not repeated.”
Many residents of Jyoti Nagar have also called for increased night patrolling in the area, citing that thieves often target temples and shrines during festivities when crowds make surveillance difficult.
Previous Temple Heists Raise Alarm
This incident comes close on the heels of a major theft last month, when ceremonial items valued at around ₹1.5 crore were stolen during a Jain religious procession near the Red Fort. The series of thefts has raised serious concerns about the safety of religious artifacts and the growing trend of targeting spiritual sites for high-value loot.
Police officials believe that an organized gang might be behind these temple thefts, operating under the guise of scrap collection or construction work near the sites. “We are exploring all possible angles, including connections between recent cases. The pattern indicates a coordinated effort by a group familiar with temple layouts and routines,” an investigator said.
Police Vow Swift Action and Stronger Security
Authorities have assured the community that the investigation is being handled with the utmost priority. Surveillance footage from nearby shops and CCTV cameras installed at the temple are being analyzed to trace the escape route of the burglars. Police have also urged citizens to report any suspicious activities related to scrap dealing or metal resale.
As the probe continues, the recovered parts of the kalash will undergo forensic examination to confirm their authenticity. The Jain community remains hopeful that the remaining artifact and the main culprit will soon be brought to justice.
