A brazen burglary has shaken the famous Shri Sankat Mochan temple in Himachal Pradesh's capital, Shimla. An unidentified intruder managed to breach the temple premises, targeting the sacred sanctum sanctorum and fleeing with precious ornaments and donations, leaving devotees and local residents shocked and agitated.
Silver Ornaments, Gold Nose Ring and Donation Box Targeted
According to temple management and police authorities, the perpetrator entered the sanctum sanctorum and stole three silver crowns weighing a combined 12 kilograms. In addition to the crowns, the suspect made away with a gold nose ring weighing approximately one tola, which adorned the idol of Mata Sita. The intruder did not stop at the sanctum's jewels, also ransacking the temple donation box and wiping out all the cash accumulated inside.
Police Register FIR Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Upon receiving details of the incident, police officers arrived at the shrine to inspect the scene and collect forensic evidence. A formal first information report has been lodged at the West Police Station in Shimla district. Case number 236/2026 was registered on November 1, 2026, invoking sections 331(4) and 305(D) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Special investigation units of the Shimla district police are conducting an in-depth probe to trace the culprit.
CCTV Captures Suspect, Police Seek Public Assistance
During the ongoing investigation, surveillance footage from security cameras in and around the shrine was thoroughly examined. The video recordings revealed a clear glimpse of a suspect on temple premises. The police department has shared the suspect's photograph with the public to expedite identification.
Law enforcement officials have appealed to citizens, requesting anyone who recognizes the individual in the photograph or possesses credible leads about his whereabouts to immediately contact the Baluganj police station or the Shimla district police control room. Efforts remain underway to track down and apprehend the suspect.
