Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Three Jain Temple Idols Recovered in Dhar; One Arrested
Three statues were taken from a Jain temple in Mangliya, near Indore.
Police say the statues show Mahavir, Adinath and Arahnath.
The theft was reported as happening on September 16.
Police formed a special team to investigate.
They detained a man called Mohan, also known as Ashiq, in Dhar district.
Police say he told them where the statues were buried and named four other people.
Officers dug up and recovered all three statues.
Police are still looking for the four other suspects.
Police recovered three Ashtadhatu idols stolen from the Rishi Teerth Sthal Jain temple in Mangliya, Indore.
The idols depict Lord Mahavir, Adinath and Arahnath, police said.
Police said the theft occurred on September 16 and formed a special investigation team.
A suspect identified as Mohan alias Ashiq was detained in Tanda, Dhar district, and allegedly confessed.
Police said he named four alleged accomplices, who remain at large; the idols were reportedly buried at one accomplice’s home.
- Who
- Police arrested Mohan alias Ashiq and are seeking four other alleged suspects.
- What
- Three Jain idols stolen from a temple were recovered.
- When
- The theft occurred on September 16; police announced the arrest and recovery on Wednesday.
- Where
- The idols were stolen from Rishi Teerth Sthal Jain temple in Mangliya, Indore, and recovered in Dhar district.
- Why
- Police say the suspects allegedly took the idols believing they were made of gold or silver.
Police account
Suspects’ response
Alleged motive and recovery
Police account
Police said Mohan allegedly confessed that the group stole the idols believing they were gold or silver, and that he led officers to where they were buried.
Suspects’ response
The article reports no response from Mohan or the other named suspects.
- Recovered items
- Three Ashtadhatu idols of Lord Mahavir, Adinath and Arahnath
- Temple
- Rishi Teerth Sthal Jain temple, Mangliya
- Theft date
- September 16
- Arrested suspect
- Mohan alias Ashiq, detained in Tanda, Dhar district
- Other suspects
- Four named by police: Karan, Arjun, Sunkes and Santosh
- Recovery location
- Police said the idols were buried at alleged accomplice Arjun’s house in Dhar district