India, March 12 -- In a major crackdown, Nayagarh police have arrested four persons for their alleged involvement in two high-profile cases of temple thefts that took place in the district last month. The gang was reportedly operating in various districts across the State.

The accused were identified as Susanta Karmi (27) from Kantamal in Boudh, Laxminarayan Nayak (34) and Sahil Patra (26) from Subarnapur and Gourahari Mohanty (42) from Brahmanipada in Nayagarh. They were nabbed following a complaint by Subash Barada, manager of Jagannath temple and supervisor, Debottar (Nayagarh).

Police have recovered 32 gm of gold and 1500 gm of silver ornaments used for the deities, along with 34 kg of brass and bronze utensils, Rs 40,000 cash amo...