Mulki: Chandramaulishwara temple donation box theft, accused arrested

Mangalore Today News Network

Mulki, Aug 21, 2026: Mulki police have arrested a man accused of breaking open the donation box at the famous Chandramaulishwara Temple and stealing cash after allegedly tampering with its CCTV camera.

The arrested accused has been identified as Ravikumar alias Ravi H.G., a resident of Ajjimada in Ayyangeri, Madikeri taluk, Kodagu district. Police have recovered the stolen cash from his possession.

According to police, the incident occurred around midnight on August 18. The accused allegedly entered the temple through a mesh opening on the roof and first turned the CCTV camera away before breaking open the lock of the donation box and stealing the cash.

However, the temple’s security system was activated when he tampered with the CCTV camera. An emergency alert was immediately sent to the control room of ‘Sign In Security’, a Kundapur-based company that had installed the CCTV system.

Following the alert, security personnel informed the temple management and Mulki police. Sub-Inspector Raghavendra Naik and local residents immediately surrounded the temple.

Hearing the police approaching, Ravi allegedly hid inside the Subrahmanya Swamy shrine within the temple premises. Police located and arrested him.

A case has been registered at Mulki Police Station, and further investigation is underway. Police recovered Rs 2,195 in stolen cash from the accused, who was later produced before a court.