Sacred Hindu Temple Objects Stolen in Bali
A temple in Bali
After several incidents of sacred objects being stolen from Hindu temples across the island of Bali, police have finally stated that investigation has led to four culprits. Months of investigation have paid off after consistent pressure from the public.
Starting from March of 2012, 31 burglaries have taken place in Hindu temples. After various religious leaders visited the sites of theft and stated their disapproval of the incidents, Bali police deputy chief Brig. Gen. I Ketut Untung Yoga set up a special team to take the investigation further and more seriously.
Four individuals have been arrested by police but their names and identities have not been disclosed so that their partners who are also a part of the thefts will not be alerted to escape.
Police are now hunting for those who bought the stolen objects from the thieves.
The suspects admitted to 8 temples from which they stole objects but claimed that they do not recall any other locations.
The temples sacred objects, namely the pretima is what has caused deep sadness and a sense of violation to the psyche of the community. Creating a new pretima will not only be very costly but it will also require a number of rituals to enshrine the object and keep it preserved.
For this reason, many Hindus across Bali have requested that such heartless acts not be taken lightly but rather be served with deserved consequences.
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