The record
Written from the 1 report below. Nothing here is unsourced.
- Pedakakani police in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, arrested 26-year-old Kondaveeti Randeep, a contract archaka (priest) at the Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, for allegedly stealing gold mangalsutras from the deity on August 18, 2026.
- Police said he used his familiarity with the temple premises, concealed the ornaments, and attempted to sell them.
- During questioning, he allegedly confessed and led police to the stolen items, resulting in the recovery of around 68 grams of gold, including a 50-gram gold coin chain, two mangalsutras, and an 18-gram chain.
- The case has been registered under Sections 305(d) and 303(2) of the BNS, and the accused, arrested on September 2, will be produced before court.
What to watch next
- The accused being produced before the court and any bail decision
- Outcome of the further investigation announced by police
- Whether temple authorities review security and access to the sanctum
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Named India · Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple · Ch. Murali Krishna · Ch. Suresh · D. Ramakrishna · Kondaveeti Randeep · Pedakakani Police · T. Peda Narayana Swamy
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