Unknown intruders forced entry into the Maha Shakti Mata Temple located in Sindh's Shikarpur district, absconding with gold jewellery, cash, antiques and assorted valuables estimated at millions of rupees.
Both police and temple representatives reported that the burglars broke the locks to gain access, and the site falls under the jurisdiction of Stuart Gunj police station.
According to temple officials, the loot comprised ornaments offered to the deities, among them a gold chain removed from an idol's neck, and the criminals also pried open a safe that held cash and donations from worshippers.
Additional items reported missing included antique artefacts, crockery and other valuables stored in two cupboards.
Temple custodian Poon Kumar said the stolen goods consisted of precious antiques and gold, adding that some of the cash and supplies had been earmarked for aiding those in need.
The temple's management appealed to police to capture the culprits and retrieve the missing items.
Shikarpur Senior Superintendent of Police Muhammad Kaleem requested an initial report from ASP City Muhammad Asif and ordered officers to explore every possible lead.
A police spokesperson said the SSP instructed investigators to employ modern technology to identify and apprehend the suspects, emphasizing that protecting religious sites and safeguarding citizens' lives and property remain top priorities for the district police.
