3 arrested for stealing from temples in Lucknow, stolen cash, valuables recovered

The accused have been identified as Rizwan, Mohammad Adil and Vijay Maurya alias Natu. Police said the group was involved in thefts at the Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple in Mahanagar and the Peepaleshwar Mahadev Temple in Shivani Vihar.Police with the arrested accusedThree men have been arrested for stealing cash, precious metal items, and ornaments from two temples in Lucknow, police sources told India Today. The accused conducted reconnaissance of the premises during the day and carried out the thefts at night after removing CCTV camera DVRs.The accused have been identified as Rizwan, Mohammad Adil and Vijay Maurya alias Natu. Police said the group was involved in thefts at the Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple in Mahanagar and the Peepaleshwar Mahadev Temple in Shivani Vihar.According to police, the accused admitted to stealing a silver crown and silver canopy from the Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple near the Khatu Shyam Temple. Other than the three, two others, Ramzad Naushad and Saddam, were also involved in the theft.Later, they also stole money and ornaments from the Peepaleshwar Mahadev Temple. The police said that the accused confessed to the crime during the interrogation. POLICE RECOVER CASH AND JEWELLERYPolice said Rs 34,000 in cash and 196 grams of white metal were recovered from the accused. A large brass mace, a smaller mace and a trident were also seized.Several iron tools used in the thefts were recovered along with a stolen Super Splendour motorcycle bearing registration number UP40 AK 4867. Police said cases related to temple thefts have been registered against the arrested accused at Mahanagar and Gudamba police stations.RIZWAN HAS 13 CASES AGAINST HIMPolice said Rizwan, son of Basu, is a habitual offender and has 13 cases registered against him in Bahraich and Lucknow. The cases include theft, offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the Gangsters Act, police said.Further investigation is underway to identify other members of the group and ascertain their involvement in other theft cases.- EndsPublished By: Akash ChatterjeePublished On: Aug 15, 2026 21:17 IST