Three diamond-studded golden crowns stolen from Tirupati Temple, probe underway

Three Golden crowns which were used to decorate the "utsava murtulu" (the idols used for temple procession) of Lord Malayappa, Goddesses Sridevi and Bhudevi at Sri Govindaraja Swamy temple, Tirupati have reportedly been stolen on Saturday night. Temple vigilance officers took immediate action and started tracing the missing crowns.

Speaking in the matter, Chief Vigilance Officer said that three golden crowns weighing a total of 1351 grams were found missing by the priests, information of which was received by the temple`s deputy executive officer at around 7 PM on Saturday.

"Temple staff and priests searched inside the temple premises but could not find the crowns," he added. 

Meanwhile, the temple authorities have lodged a complaint with the police, following which Tirupati urban police filed a case and began investigating the case.

Anburajan, Tirupati urban SP, said: "We have visited the place, filed case and started investigation. We have formed six special teams lead by DSP crime. We have some clues and we are interrogating. Soon we will resolve the case. We are checking all CCTV footage and interrogating all persons there."

According to the temple jewellery register, the crown of Lord Malayappa weighs 528 grams, while those of Goddesses Sridevi and Bhudevi weigh 408 grams and 415 grams, respectively. Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple is an ancient Hindu-Vaishnavite temple situated at the heart of temple town Tirupati in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh. 

READ: These Pictures Of The Soon-to-be-unveiled Lounge At Tirupati Railway Station Are Like Nothing We've Ever Seen Before

Meanwhile, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal unveiled a 'premium lounge' named Atithi (guest) at the Tirupati railway station on January 12. He shared a comprehensive plan of the lounge, giving out details of the interior designs of several rooms-- the entrance of the hall with a photo of Balaji Tirupati hung on the wall, a magazine rack, the large hall occupied with couches, recliners and the decor augmenting the aesthetics of the room.

While sharing these photos, the Union Minister rightly posed as well question: "Railway station or 5-Star hotel?"

(With PTI agency inputs)