Ancient stone idol stolen from Nandi temple

Kakinada: A historical stone idol of Nandeeswara in the famous Lord Goulingeswara Temple said to be of 9th century, in Bikkavolu has been stolen. The Central Archaeological Department officials lodged a complaint with the Bikkavolu police on the disappearance of the stone idol of Nandi.

Bikkavolu sub-inspector P. Vasu said the idol was stolen on August 7 and the complaint was received on August 8 and a case was registered on Monday. Ramachandrapuram DSP Balachandra Reddy and deputy commissioner of endowments Vijaya Raju visited the temple and inquired about the incident.

Balachandra Reddy told the media that the night watchman of the temple did not perform his duties well and a detailed probe was going on after verifying the CCTV footage and other clues. He said the facts would be revealed soon. Anaparti circle inspector M.V. Bhaskara Rao and others were present.

According to sources, the CCTV footage showed that a person jumped into the temple from the parapet and made away with the stone Idol of Nandeeswara.