Bangalore: A 46-year-old priest, who is alleged to have pocketed gold jewellery from homes where he had gone to perform
A 46-year-old priest, who is alleged to have pocketed gold jewellery from homes where he had gone to perform “special puja”, has landed in police net.
Police said they arrested Shashank Purohith based on a tip-off, and recovered 500 gm gold worth Rs 12.5 lakh from him. As many as 10 cases have been solved with his arrest, they claimed.
Purohith would go to homes, offering to perform a special puja known as ‘Swarna Raksha’ at a “low price” for the peace and prosperity of the inhabitants.
While performing the puja, he would ask the inhabitants of the house to keep all gold valuables before him. After completing the rituals, he would tell them he would take the gold valuables along and keep them with him for 40 days as that is “auspicious”.
But when the family would try to contact him later, his mobile phone would be switched off and he would be untraceable. Police said that Purohith would pawn the jewellery to lead a lavish life. Investigators are trying to find out whether he has been involved in other similar crimes.
