Malerkotla,14 Aug 2025: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Malerkotla, Gagan Ajit Singh, informed that during the ongoing campaign against criminal elements, the police achieved a major success. Under the supervision of SP (Investigation) Satpal Sharma and DSP (Investigation) Shateesh Kumar, Inspector Gurpreet Kaur, Station House Officer of City-2 Malerkotla, along with her team, traced and arrested two unidentified accused in connection with FIR No. 200 dated 05.08.2025 under sections 298, 305, 331(4), and 317(2) of the BNS.
The arrested accused have been identified as:
- Mohammad Azhar alias Chitta, son of Mohammad Ashraf alias Bhola, resident of Chhota Chowk, Mahalla Dhobiyan Wala, Malerkotla
- Mohammad Suhail alias Nattu, son of Mohammad Nasir, resident of Telia Bazaar, Jattpura Mahalla, Malerkotla
Sharing further details, the SSP said that on the night of 04/05 August 2025, the accused broke into Shri Paras Nath Jain Sethanwar Mandir at Purana Chamra Bazaar (Sadar Bazaar), Malerkotla. They broke open the donation box, stole cash, five small almirahs containing cash, broke another cupboard to steal silver ornaments, and took away three religious scriptures. They also committed sacrilege by desecrating idols and vandalizing temple property.
During the investigation, the SHO of City-2 Police Station formed multiple teams, checked CCTV footage, and used technical surveillance to trace the accused. Upon arrest, the police recovered:
- Five steel boxes with locks
- ₹12,000 in cash
- 20 small silver coins
- 1 large silver coin
- 8 small silver glasses
- Three chisels used for breaking boxes
- One iron wrench
- One screwdriver
Following recovery, section 317(2) of the BNS was added to the case. The accused were presented in court today, and police remand was obtained for further interrogation, during which more disclosures related to other theft incidents are expected.
It is noteworthy that both accused are habitual offenders, with multiple theft cases already registered against them.
Summary:
The SSP reported that Malerkotla Police apprehended two individuals accused of committing theft and sacrilege in a local temple, initiating further investigation into the incident.