Bhubaneswar, Dec. 28 -- A major theft was reported late on Saturday night at the Maa Chualia shrine under Pattamundai Rural Police Station limits in Kendrapara district, triggering tension in the locality. Gold and silver ornaments along with cash worth nearly Rs 8 lakh were allegedly stolen from the temple, sources said.

According to reports, miscreants broke the idol of the Goddess and forcibly removed gold and silver ornaments worth several lakhs of rupees. The temple donation box was also broken open and cash inside was looted. The theft came to light early on Sunday morning when the priest and local villagers reached the shrine and found the idol vandalised and valuables missing.

The Maa Chualia shrine is not only regarded as a Sha...