Bengaluru: In a shocking display of opportunism, a software engineer named Santosha lost his brand-new pair of shoes valued at a whopping ₹16,000 right outside the Shri Ganesha Temple in Banashankari III Stage, all within a mere five minutes on November 6, 2025.
The incident has sparked outrage and heightened security concerns among the city's faithful, as such brazen thefts at sacred sites become increasingly common. Santosha, who had arrived at the temple for a quick darshan (divine viewing) while sporting his fresh footwear, removed his shoes at the entrance as per tradition and stepped inside to offer prayers. Navlik Women’s Casual Kurta with Pant & Dupatta – Stylish Ethnic Wear
In the brief span it took him to clasp his hands in devotion and turn around, the prized pair had vanished without a trace. It was like a magic trick gone in seconds," Santosha recounted, his frustration evident as he discovered the empty spot where his shoes once lay.
The entire heist was captured crystal-clear on the temple's CCTV cameras, showing the unidentified thief barefoot upon entry swooping in with calculated precision to snatch the unattended shoes before sauntering away. Also Read: SBI Backs Fresh Wave of Bank Mergers: Another Consolidation Phase for India’s Banking System!?
Armed with this irrefutable video evidence, Santosha wasted no time and lodged a formal FIR (First Information Report) at the nearby Banashankari police station.
In his complaint, he implored the authorities Please do whatever it takes to track down my shoes and return them it's not just about the money; it's the principle.
Police officials have since launched a targeted probe, meticulously reviewing the CCTV footage and scouring additional surveillance from surrounding areas to identify and apprehend the culprit.Also Read: 🇺🇸 Proposal to Distribute $2,000 to Americans from Tariff Revenue
We're treating this with urgency, as temples are sanctuaries, not hunting grounds for petty criminals," a senior officer assured, vowing to bolster patrols and shoe-storage facilities at high-traffic worship sites.
This theft isn't an isolated blip; devotees have long grumbled about footwear filching at Bengaluru's temples, eroding the sense of peace these spaces are meant to provide. Also Read: The Tree Mother Salumarada Thimmakka is no more... Passed away due to age-related illness!
With the post-Diwali spiritual surge still lingering, the episode serves as a wake-up call for enhanced vigilance, leaving worshippers to ponder: In the house of the remover of obstacles, who will remove the obstacle of theft.