Pune, 7th October 2026: Around ₹60,000 was stolen from the donation box of the historic Shri Kasba Ganpati Temple in Kasba Peth after a thief allegedly broke into the temple late Monday night. Faraskhana Police have arrested a 29-year-old man in connection with the theft.
According to police, the accused, identified as Sangram Rajendra Jadhav, 29, a resident of Gadhinglaj in Kolhapur district, arrived at the temple around midnight. He allegedly broke the lock on the temple door and entered the premises.
He then broke open the lock of the donation box and stole around ₹60,000 in cash before fleeing the spot.
The theft was discovered early Tuesday when the temple priest arrived for the morning prayers. He noticed that the donation box had been damaged and immediately informed the temple trustees and police.
A team from Faraskhana Police reached the temple and began collecting evidence. Deputy Commissioner of Police Krishikesh Rawale and Joint Commissioner of Police Sanjay Darade also visited the spot and reviewed the investigation.
Police began checking the available evidence and information from the temple premises as part of the investigation. Jadhav was subsequently taken into custody and questioned.
During the inquiry, police established his alleged involvement in the theft and arrested him. Further investigation is being conducted by Faraskhana Police.
The Shri Kasba Ganpati Temple, located in Kasba Peth, is considered Pune's gram deity and is one of the city's prominent historic temples.