Police go on a ‘sole’ mission: Stolen temple shoes returned to owner in Guna

Guna (MP): In a case that shows even missing footwear can trigger a full-fledged investigation, Madhya Pradesh Police traced and returned a stolen pair of shoes to their owner in Guna, more than three weeks after they disappeared from a temple.

Rajesh Kumar Sharma, a government teacher from Vindhyachal Colony, had approached the Cantt police station with an unusual complaint. He said his shoes were stolen from the premises of the Hanuman Tekri temple on the evening of December 30. Valued at around Rs 4,000, the missing pair was not just about money. Sharma told police that such incidents at a place of worship, especially under the watch of CCTV cameras, hurt the sentiments of devotees and shook his faith.

Taking the matter seriously, officers began scanning CCTV footage from the temple premise to identify the person responsible. Their efforts led them to Om Prakash Sen, a resident of the Budha Balaji area.

According to Cantt police station in-charge Anoop Bhargava, Sen allegedly left the temple wearing Sharma’s shoes while leaving his old pair behind. When he realised that police were tracking him, he reportedly left his house. However, when officers reached his residence, his wife handed over the shoes.

Police have registered a theft case and are continuing efforts to trace the accused. On Sunday, Sharma was called to the police station and reunited with his footwear, bringing an unusual but determined investigation to a satisfying end.

(with inputs from agencies)