What Happened at Khanapur’s Pochamma Temple?
Gold ornaments, silver jewellery, and devotees’ cash worth more than ₹20 lakh were allegedly stolen from Pochamma Temple in Khanapur. The temple’s surveillance system was also targeted, while Narsingi police registered a case and began collecting evidence.
Gold and Cash Worth ₹20 Lakh Stolen from Pochamma Temple
Hyderabad, Tuesday, July 28, 2026: The Khanapur Pochamma Temple theft has prompted a police investigation after burglars allegedly escaped with gold ornaments, silver jewellery, cash offerings, and other valuables estimated to be worth more than ₹20 lakh.
The theft took place at the Sri Sri Sri Pochamma Temple in Khanapur on the outskirts of Hyderabad during the night of Monday, July 27. The incident was discovered after temple representatives noticed that valuables and devotees’ offerings were missing.
Khanapur Pochamma Temple Theft Reported
According to preliminary reports, the intruders broke into the temple and targeted the ornaments kept inside the premises. Gold ornaments used at the shrine, silver jewellery, and cash collected through the temple hundi were among the items allegedly stolen.
The temple committee has placed the estimated value of the missing and damaged property at more than ₹20 lakh. However, the final value is expected to be determined only after temple records are examined, and the complete inventory of missing articles is prepared.
No injuries were reported in connection with the burglary.
CCTV Surveillance System Targeted
The burglars also allegedly targeted the temple’s security equipment in an apparent attempt to avoid identification.
Initial reports said that CCTV cameras installed at the temple had been damaged. A separate account stated that the digital video recorder connected to the surveillance cameras was removed from the premises. Police are expected to examine the remaining equipment and any footage available from nearby roads, houses, or commercial establishments.
The targeting of the surveillance system has led temple committee members to suspect that the intruders may have known the layout of the premises, including the locations of valuables and CCTV equipment.
The committee’s suspicion has not yet been independently established by investigators. Police have not named any suspect or confirmed the involvement of anyone connected with the temple.
Narsingi Police Begin Investigation
Narsingi police reached the temple after receiving information about the burglary. A complaint was subsequently lodged, a case was registered, and an investigation was launched.
Investigators are examining the crime scene and collecting available forensic evidence. They are also expected to verify how the intruders entered the premises, how long they remained inside and whether more than one person participated in the theft.
Police may review mobile-phone activity and surveillance footage from the surrounding Khanapur area to trace suspicious movements before and after the crime. These are common investigative possibilities, although authorities have not publicly disclosed the specific evidence gathered so far.
Temple Committee Suspects Familiarity With Premises
Committee members believe the burglary may have been planned because the offenders appeared to know where important ornaments, donations and security equipment were located. Similar suspicions were reported by multiple news organisations covering the incident.
However, investigators have not confirmed whether the offenders had previously visited the temple or received information from someone familiar with its operations.
Authorities are working to identify the people responsible and recover the missing ornaments and cash. Further details are expected after police analyse forensic material, local surveillance footage, and statements from temple representatives.
The investigation into the Khanapur Pochamma Temple theft remains underway.
