Cuttack: Tension prevailed in Tantira village under Tangi police limits in Cuttack district in the afternoon today as scores of villagers gheraoed at least two residents’ house alleging their involvement in stealing gold idol of deity from a village temple.
As per the report, the accused duo Bijay Kumar Biswal, priest of the temple and one Sulata Nayak had been given with the responsibility of managing the Maa Bimala Temple located in the village for past few years. However, a day before yesterday villagers found one golden idol of Goddess Laxmi missing from the temple and inquired about the whereabouts of the same to the accused.
While the accused duo initially claimed ignorance about the issue, later tried to hand over the villagers a brass idol, which raised their suspicion of foul play.
“Yesterday, an FIR was lodged at the local police station demanding action against the guilty but police made dilly dally in taking action which infuriated us,” said Subhendu Biswal, a local.
“We suspect that the police is trying to shield the accused duo who might have stolen the idol. We want justice,” he added.
However the accused Sulata Nayak had rubbished all allegations.
“I have not stolen any idol. The idol is with me and I can return it any time. However, I don’t know of which metal it is made from,” said Sulata.
On the other hand the villagers have warned to intensify the stir and block the National Highway-16 if police make further delay in acting in the case.
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Ms Kalinga