2 held for stealing gold from a devotee at Dharmasthala

Mangaluru: Dharmasthala Police have arrested two women in connection with the theft of gold ornaments from a devotee at the premises of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala and recovered jewellery worth Rs 5.32 lakh.

According to the police, on May 3, 2025, Latha, a devotee visiting the temple, reported that gold ornaments weighing 97 grams and valued at Rs 6.79 lakh were stolen from her bag. Subsequently, Dharmasthala Police registered a case under Section 303(2) of the BNS-2023.

During the investigation, police identified the suspects as BB Jaan (59) and her daughter Aarthi alias Masabi alias Asma (34), residents of Hubballi. On November 23, acting on reliable information, police apprehended the duo in Dharmasthala when they had allegedly returned to commit another theft. They were produced before court and later taken into police custody for further interrogation.

Based on their statements, police recovered 76 grams of stolen gold ornaments valued at Rs 5.32 lakh from their residence in Hubballi.

The operation was led by Belthangady Sub-Division DySP Rohini CK., under the supervision of Circle Inspector BG Subbapur Math.