Bhatkal Rural Police launch CCTV drive to curb thefts in Temples

Bhatkal: 27 September 2025 (Bhatkallys News Bureau)  In a move aimed at curbing repeated incidents of hundi thefts in temples, the Bhatkal Rural Police have initiated a campaign to ensure CCTV cameras are installed in all temples under their jurisdiction.

As part of this effort, a meeting was held at the Bhatkal Rural Police Station premises, bringing together committee members from several temples, including Soodigadde, Durga Parameshwari, Kanchina Durga Parameshwari, and Shedabari temples.

Speaking at the meeting, Circle Police Inspector (CPI) Manjunath Lingareddy highlighted the challenges faced by the police in cracking temple theft cases due to the lack of surveillance systems. “The absence of CCTV cameras hampers the investigation of theft and robbery cases. Installing CCTV cameras will not only help in identifying culprits but will also act as a strong deterrent against future crimes,” he said.

The temple committee members welcomed the initiative and expressed their willingness to cooperate with the police to implement the surveillance system.

Police Sub-Inspectors Ranggowda and Bharamappa Belagali were also present at the meeting.