Thieves Apologize to Deity Before Stealing from Nagpur Temple

A recent incident in Nagpur, Maharashtra, has garnered significant attention online due to the unusual behavior of two thieves before they committed a temple robbery. CCTV footage from the Sheetla Mata Temple and a nearby Shiv Temple has gone viral, showcasing one of the suspects engaging in what appears to be a ritualistic gesture of apology before carrying out the theft. The footage shows the man standing in front of the temple deity, folding his hands and holding his ears, which many viewers interpret as a sign of seeking forgiveness. This peculiar act was followed by the duo allegedly breaking into donation boxes and making off with the cash.

The theft occurred on the night of July 27, when the temple caretaker secured the premises. Upon returning the next morning, he discovered that the main gate had been tampered with. Upon entering the temple grounds, he found that the donation boxes had been forcibly opened and the cash inside was missing. This prompted the caretaker to notify the police about the incident. The CCTV footage reportedly shows the two unidentified men entering the temple grounds late at night. Before the alleged theft, one of the suspects is seen pausing in front of the deity, performing a gesture often associated with remorse or a plea for pardon in Hindu culture. After this unusual display, the suspects are seen breaking the locks of the donation boxes, taking the money, and exiting the premises.