Devout thief does darshan first, then flees with temple donation box in Rajasthan

JAIPUR: God helps those who help themselves, but this one stretched it. CCTV footage from Khakhiji Maharaj shrine in Jaipur's Govindpura shows a thief observing temple courtesies around 2am Saturday before making off with the donation box - stuffed with thousands of rupees in cash.

He didn't forget to wash his hands, bow before the idol and join palms in a namaste. Honour among thieves? He didn't forget the money either. Police identified the unlikely penitent as 22-year-old Dharmesh Bhopa alias Bhairu Nayak. "We've seen all kinds of theft but this one stands out for its religious courtesy," said SHO Uday Bhan. "Not every thief stops for darshan before burgling a shrine."

Nayak was arrested Monday along with his 26-year-old cousin Rambabu Nayak. Police said they scouted the temple earlier and used a stolen motorcycle for the job.

The box held several thousand rupees, though the exact amount is being verified. The heist added to growing concern over rising temple thefts here. Police are now probing if they are linked to other such jobs.