CCTV foils theft attempt at Mulki temple; accused arrested

Mangalore Today News Network

Mulki, Aug 20, 2026: A 28-year-old man was arrested after allegedly attempting to steal from the Sri Chandramouleshwara Temple at Bellayaru Kolnadu in Mulki in the early hours of Wednesday.

The accused has been identified as Ravi, a resident of Virajpet in Madikeri.

According to police and local residents, Ravi allegedly arrived at the temple after 11.30 p.m. on Tuesday, climbed the front portion of the temple using a rope, cut through an iron grille and entered the premises. He reportedly searched the donation box and then attempted to damage the CCTV camera installed inside the temple.

The CCTV footage triggered an alert at Sign In Security, a Kundapur-based security company monitoring the cameras. The company immediately informed the temple management and Mulki police.

Acting swiftly, local residents and a team led by Mulki Police Sub-Inspector Raghavendra Naik surrounded the temple premises. Meanwhile, Ravi allegedly tried to flee and hid inside the Subrahmanya shrine within the temple complex. Police conducted a search and arrested him.

Local residents said Ravi had allegedly visited the temple around 10 p.m. on Tuesday to inspect the premises before returning later to attempt the theft. Police also learned that he had previously been involved in a sandalwood theft case and had served a prison sentence.

The CCTV cameras captured footage of the accused climbing down with the help of a rope to enter the temple and attempting to damage the surveillance equipment.

Mulki police have registered a case and launched an investigation. The timely detection through CCTV is believed to have prevented a major theft at the temple.