Shimla Temple donation box theft: Accused arrested, cash and stolen box recovered by Police
Shimla, Feb 24,
A swift response by the Shimla district police has led to the arrest of a accused involved in the theft of a temple donation box from Chhota Shimla, with both the stolen box and cash successfully recovered.
According to an official press note issued by the District Police Shimla, a case (FIR No. 16/2026) was registered at Police Station East on February 23, 2026, under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), corresponding to the earlier Section 379 of the IPC.
The complaint was lodged by a representative of the Chhota Shimla temple, who reported that on the morning of February 23, around 5:30 AM, the donation box was taken out of the temple premises and placed outside the gate before pooja rituals. However, when the complainant returned around 6:30 AM, the donation box was found missing. The matter was immediately reported to the police.
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Acting promptly, a police team from PS East Shimla launched an investigation and arrested the accused, identified as Jai Prakash (31), son of Jalam Singh, a resident of village Fagu, Post Office Kando, Tehsil Shillai in Sirmaur district.
During the course of investigation, the stolen donation box was recovered from near Kumhali village in the Kusumpti forest area. Cash amount linked to the theft was also recovered from the accused. (Shimla Temple donation box theft: Accused arrested, cash and stolen box recovered by Police)
The accused is being produced before the competent court, and further investigation in the case is underway.
The Shimla district police have appealed to temple authorities and devotees to ensure proper security arrangements for donation boxes and other valuables. This includes installing CCTV cameras, maintaining vigilance, and promptly reporting any suspicious activity to the police.
The incident highlights the importance of safeguarding religious premises, especially during early morning hours when supervision may be minimal.
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