32-kg silver idol worth ₹51.2 lakh stolen from Muddebihal temple in Vijayapura
Synopsis
A 32-kg silver idol valued at ₹51.2 lakh has been stolen from one of North Karnataka's prominent Lingayat shrines — the Sri Pavada Basaveshwara Temple in Muddebihal. Thieves broke open two sets of locks between 9 pm and 4:30 am, leaving no trace. Police are now combing CCTV footage as the local devotee community demands swift action.
Key Takeaways
A 32-kg silver idol of Sri Pavada Basaveshwara worth ₹51.20 lakh was allegedly stolen from the Sri Pavada Basaveshwara Temple , Muddebihal , on the night of 5–6 July .
The theft was discovered at around 4 am on 6 July by temple caretaker Sadhu Shankaralinga Jatteppa Emmennavara .
Thieves reportedly broke open locks on two doors — the sanctum and the outer iron gate — to access the central shrine.
Police have registered a case at Muddebihal Police Station and are examining CCTV footage and forensic evidence.
Temple committee president Yamanappa Biradar has urged authorities to identify and prosecute the accused.
A 32-kg silver idol of Sri Pavada Basaveshwara, valued at approximately ₹51.20 lakh, was allegedly stolen from the historic Sri Pavada Basaveshwara Temple in Muddebihal, Vijayapura district, Karnataka, during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, 5–6 July. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation, examining CCTV footage and collecting forensic evidence.
How the Theft Came to Light
The theft was discovered early on Monday morning, 6 July, when temple caretaker Sadhu Shankaralinga Jatteppa Emmennavara found the locks of the sanctum and the outer entrance broken. He telephoned Yamanappa Biradar (70), president of the Sri Pavada Basaveshwara Temple Committee, at around 4 am.
Biradar, accompanied by temple committee members M.R. Nadagouda, S.B. Nadagouda, B.G. Sajjan, and others, along with temple priest Sharanaya Basaiah Salimath and local residents, rushed to the temple. On entering the sanctum sanctorum, they found the silver idol missing from its shrine.
Timeline of the Incident
According to the priest's account, he had performed the nightly rituals at around 9 pm on Sunday, 5 July, locked the sanctum door and the outer iron gate, and left the premises. Based on preliminary inquiries, police suspect the theft occurred between 9 pm on 5 July and 4:30 am on 6 July.
In his formal complaint, Biradar alleged that unidentified persons broke open the locks of both doors, entered the temple, and fled with the silver idol. The temple complex houses three shrines — dedicated to Sri Pavada Basaveshwara, Sri Sharanabasaveshwara, and Sri Karibasaveshwara — and the stolen idol belonged to the central shrine.
Police Response and Investigation
A case has been registered at Muddebihal Police Station. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from the temple premises and surrounding areas, collecting forensic evidence, and questioning local residents. The identities of the suspects remain unknown at this stage.
Biradar has urged authorities to identify and take stringent legal action against those responsible. He also indicated that the temple committee would hold discussions with local villagers regarding the incident.
Significance of the Temple
The Sri Pavada Basaveshwara Temple is one of the most prominent religious centres in Muddebihal, North Karnataka, drawing large numbers of devotees from Vijayapura district and neighbouring regions. The theft has caused considerable distress among the local devotee community and residents of the area.
Point of View
Particularly those with limited security infrastructure. A ₹51.2 lakh silver idol going missing from a prominent North Karnataka temple despite locked sanctum doors points to a premeditated operation, not opportunistic crime. The real question for authorities is whether existing temple security guidelines — mandated after previous high-profile thefts — are being enforced, or whether they remain on paper. Until state-level audits of temple security are taken seriously, such losses will keep repeating.
NationPress
6 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was stolen from the Muddebihal temple in Vijayapura?
A 32-kg silver idol of Sri Pavada Basaveshwara, valued at approximately ₹51.20 lakh, was allegedly stolen from the Sri Pavada Basaveshwara Temple in Muddebihal, Vijayapura district, Karnataka. The theft occurred during the night of 5–6 July.
When was the theft at Muddebihal temple discovered?
The theft was discovered at around 4 am on Monday, 6 July, when caretaker Sadhu Shankaralinga Jatteppa Emmennavara found the locks of both the sanctum and the outer entrance broken. He immediately alerted temple committee president Yamanappa Biradar.
What action have police taken after the Muddebihal temple theft?
Police have registered a case at Muddebihal Police Station and launched a formal investigation. They are examining CCTV footage from the temple and surrounding areas, collecting forensic evidence, and questioning local residents to identify the suspects.
Which shrine was targeted in the Muddebihal temple complex?
The stolen idol belonged to the central shrine dedicated to Sri Pavada Basaveshwara. The temple complex has three shrines — dedicated to Sri Pavada Basaveshwara, Sri Sharanabasaveshwara, and Sri Karibasaveshwara — only the central one was targeted.
How significant is the Sri Pavada Basaveshwara Temple in Karnataka?
The Sri Pavada Basaveshwara Temple is one of the most prominent religious centres in Muddebihal, North Karnataka, attracting large numbers of devotees from Vijayapura district and neighbouring regions. The theft has caused widespread distress among the local community.
