SHIMLA, INDIA, Dec 10, 2014 (Deccan Chronicle): Ancient ashtadhatu (eight-metal) Deities of Lord Rama, Hanuman along with Deities made of gold and silver of other deities worth hundreds of thousands of dollars were stolen by thieves from Raghunathji temple at Sultanpur in Rupi Palace at Kullu, police said today. Thieves stolen the Deities of Lord Rama, Lord Hanuman, a gold locket and a chain, a gold-plated Narsinh Shila (stone), silver Deity of Lord Ganesh and some other articles of worship last night, police said.
A case has been registered on the statement of Devinder Singh, son of Maheshwar Singh, MLA, who is also caretaker of the Deity. A team of forensic experts have reached the spot and started investigations. A massive manhunt has been launched and the interstate borders have been sealed. There was no deployment of security guards in the temple as it is a private property.
The Deities of Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman were brought from Ayodhya to Kullu in 1651 during the regime of Raja Jagat Singh. The Deities date back to second or third century but the devotees claim that these belong to the Ramayana era and it is difficult to assess their antique value.