MUMBAI, INDIA, May 10, 2012 (ndtv.com): Maharashtra Home Minister R.R. Patil has said the state government would provide temple trusts license for possessing weapons. This announcement comes in the wake of theft of a Deity from Dive Agar.
“Government provides security to some important temples. Some of these are under threat from terrorists and dacoits,” Patil said on Thursday. “If temple trusts demand for providing them with license for possessing weapons, then the government will allow them for it,” he added.
The move by the state government comes after a gang of robbers attacked two watchmen at Ganesh temple at Dive Agar, in Raigad district, and fled with an ancient 3.3 lb. gold statue, estimated to be worth US$92,000. One of the watchman died in the attack.