Priest decamps with gold worth Rs 21 lakh in Hunsur; held

The victims had lodged a complaint with Bilikere police

Police on Monday arrested a priest, who had escaped with gold ornaments after convincing the public that he could enhance their riches in Hunsur. Gold ornaments worth Rs 21 lakh were also seized from him.

The accused has been identified as Manu alias Swamy Nayaka, a priest at Chowdeshwari Temple in Sathi village, K R Nagar taluk. He had convinced Ningappa of Uyigowdanahalli in Hunsur taluk that performing puja to the gold ornaments during Navaratri, would bring him more prosperity.

Ningappa, who believed him, introduced Basappa, Shivalingappa, Puttappa, Bharathi, Sheela, Deepa and Santosh of Hunsur to him. In all, the accused collected 450 gm gold. Manu placed them in an almirah at his house and performed special pujas during Navaratri, convincing them that the ornaments should not be taken out till Ayudha Puja day. However, Manu escaped with the ornaments on Ayudha Puja day.

The victims lodged a complaint with Bilikere police. A team, led by Deputy SP Sundar, was formed. The police took Manu into custody from the K R Nagar bus stand. Gold weighing 450 gm, worth Rs 21 lakh, has been recovered, said District Superintendent of Police C B Ryshyant.