Chennai: Police launched investigations into three temple thefts reported in Tiruvottiyur and Gummidipoondi after burglars stole cash from donation boxes and gold ornaments from deities.In Tiruvottiyur, burglars broke open two donation boxes at the 75-year-old Gangai Amman Temple on West Mada Street and escaped with cash offered by devotees. The theft came to light on Wednesday morning when a temple staff member arrived to open the premises. Police said the locks of the hundis were broken using a ‘vel’ (spear) kept near the idol of Lord Murugan. A forensic team examined the scene, while investigators collected CCTV footage from the neighbourhood.In Gummidipoondi, burglars broke into another Gangai Amman Temple at Pathapalayam village and the Mathamma Temple at Billakuppam village on Wednesday night. Police said the accused stole five sovereigns jewellery including mangalsutra and gold chains from the idols at both temples.Gummidipoondi SIPCOT police registered separate cases.
