Chhatrapur, June 24: A series of thefts targeting temples has raised serious concerns among devotees and local residents in Chhatrapur, with another incident of burglary reported from the Ram Temple on Station Road.

The latest theft comes just days after burglars allegedly stole cash and gold ornaments worth over ₹50 lakh from a Hanuman Temple in the area. In the fresh incident, unidentified miscreants reportedly broke open the donation box (hundi) of the Ram Temple and decamped with the cash stored inside.

According to sources, the temple's donation box had not been opened for several months. The theft came to light on Wednesday morning when the temple priest arrived for daily rituals and found the hundi broken and lying on the premises.

The priest immediately informed Chhatrapur Police, following which a police team reached the spot and launched an investigation. Authorities have begun collecting evidence to identify those involved in the crime.

Officials said the temple falls under the jurisdiction of the Government Railway Police (GRP) as it is located in the railway area. Further investigation is underway to determine the exact amount of money stolen.

The incident has added to growing concerns over the increasing number of temple thefts in the region. In recent months, thefts have been reported at the Sai Temple, Bireswar Temple, Hanuman Temple, Ujwaleswar Temple, and now the Ram Temple.

Residents and temple authorities have expressed frustration over the recurring incidents, pointing out that police have yet to achieve a breakthrough in any of the recent temple theft cases. They have demanded stronger security measures and swift action to apprehend the culprits behind the series of burglaries.