Caretaker steals valuables from Dibrugarh temple

Dibrugarh police are investigating a theft at the Hanuman Garhi Mandir. Sandeep Bhagat, a temporary caretaker, is accused of stealing valuables worth Rs 8 lakh. The complaint was filed by Mahant Chandrama Das. He reported the theft after returning from a trip to Buxar, Bihar, on March 13, 2025. Before he left on November 19, 2024, Das left the temple keys with Bhagat, who is from Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Das became suspicious when Bhagat did not return after dropping off a colleague at the railway station. He also found Bhagat's phone switched off. The stolen items include gold crowns, earrings, neck chains, silver coins, silver glasses, and cash. Police findings show that Bhagat and his wife made two trips to Bihar while Das was away. Das expressed his distress, saying they waited to file the FIR because they hoped to find Bhagat themselves. He had trusted Bhagat with the temple during his absence.