Itanagar, March 5: A tourist from West Bengal was apprehended in Itanagar for allegedly stealing religious items from two prominent sites in Arunachal Pradesh, including the revered Tawang Monastery, officials said on March 5.
According to police, the accused, a 54-year-old man, was traced and detained after CCTV footage of the theft circulated widely on social media. Arunachal Pradesh Police launched an investigation after the video allegedly showed the man stealing a Buddha idol and other sacred items from the monastery premises. Officials said a Buddha idol was taken from the monastery, which is regarded as the largest monastery in India. In addition, a pair of Tingsha cymbals and two metal butter lamps were reportedly stolen from the Giant Buddha Statue Park.
Police tracked down the suspect on Wednesday morning and recovered all the stolen items from his possession. The recovered articles are estimated to be worth between ₹15,000 and ₹20,000.
However, authorities said the monastery management chose not to pursue the case further after the items were recovered. The caretaker monk and officials of Tawang Monastery reportedly pardoned the tourist after he expressed regret for his actions.
Police also obtained a written undertaking from the accused in which he admitted his mistake and promised not to repeat such behaviour. He further assured authorities that he would respect religious sentiments at sacred sites in the future.
Officials said the man had arrived in Tawang with his wife on March 2 for a vacation when the incident occurred.
