Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Panchaloha Idol Stolen From Temple in Thrissur
A metal idol was stolen from a temple in Kunnamkulam, Kerala.
The idol weighs about 15 kilograms and is made from five metals.
It was several years old.
Priests noticed it was missing when they arrived early Friday to open the temple.
The suspected thief covered a security camera with a silk cloth.
The person also hid their face.
Police are checking cameras near the temple for clues.
They inspected the temple and are looking at people connected to earlier idol thefts.
Police are also checking whether thefts at two other temples involved the same person.
A roughly 15-kilogram, several-years-old panchaloha idol was stolen from Maakkaalikavu Bhagavathy Temple in Kunnamkulam.
Temple priests discovered the theft when they arrived early Friday morning to open the temple.
The suspected thief allegedly covered the CCTV camera with a silk cloth and concealed their face.
Kunnamkulam police inspected the temple and are examining nearby CCTV footage to identify the suspect.
Police are investigating whether the theft is linked to incidents at temples in Kaipamangalam and Mannampetta.
- Who
- An unidentified person is suspected of stealing the idol; Kunnamkulam police are investigating.
- What
- A roughly 15-kilogram panchaloha idol was stolen from Maakkaalikavu Bhagavathy Temple.
- When
- The theft occurred early Friday morning and was discovered when priests arrived to open the temple; the report is dated September 11.
- Where
- Maakkaalikavu Bhagavathy Temple in Kunnamkulam, Thrissur district, Kerala.
- Why
- The motive has not been established; police are investigating possible links to other temple thefts and suspected sales of stolen idols to antique dealers.
- Stolen item
- A panchaloha idol made from an alloy comprising five metals
- Weight
- Around 15 kilograms
- Temple
- Maakkaalikavu Bhagavathy Temple in Kunnamkulam
- Discovery
- Temple priests found the theft when they arrived early Friday morning
- Security measures
- The suspected thief allegedly covered a CCTV camera with a silk cloth and concealed their face
- Police action
- Kunnamkulam police inspected the temple and are examining nearby CCTV footage
- Related incidents
- Money, deity ornaments and metal lamps were reportedly stolen from temples in Kaipamangalam and Mannampetta on Thursday
