Bihar govt orders high-level probe in stolen idol case

Chief minister Nitish Kumar has ordered a high level probe after centuries old Lord Mahavira idol was reported as missing from a Jain temple in Bihar. As per state government and police reports the idol which was 2,600 years old and belonged to 600 BC was allegedly stolen by some unidentified persons from a Janamsthan Temple situated under Khaira Police station in Jamui district of the state.

The chief minister also briefed about the incident to the Union home minister Rajnath Singh who had telephoned him seeking information about the missing rare black stoned Lord Mahavira Idol which is estimated to be worth several crores and weighs 250 kilograms.

The incident which shocked the entire nation led the Jain Community to fast and agitate against the government demanding immediate action.

The incident also prompted Bihar director-general of police P.K. Thakur to convene a meeting in Patna and directing officials to initiate action and recover the idol at the earliest.

Police sources said economic offences wing (EOW) and CID has been asked to lead the probe. The DGP has directed the Bhagalpur I-G Bachu Singh Meena to camp near the site till case is solved. According to Jain Sangh’s Bihar unit “the incident has exposed the security system of the government”.

The Janamsthan Temple is located on a hill about 10 km from the famous Lachaur temple of Jain’s situated in the Jamui district and attracts Jain Pilgrims from all over the country.

According to sources the officials have been asked to give detailed report of the enquiry to the chief minister.