In a major security breach at the famous Kapaleeswarar temple in Chennai, one of the 'hundis' (chest) was found broken and valuables contributed by devotees stolen, the police said on Thursday.
The incident was noticed by the temple staff in the early hours when the shrine opened for prayers, the police said.
The hundi was removed and taken to a corner of the temple where it was broken open and the offerings stolen, they said.
Following the incident, the police sealed all the entry points to the temple to carry out investigations.
The incident occurred even though three security men were posted inside the temple and closed circuit television cameras were placed in different corners of the temple.
The temple usually opens at 5:30 am and closes at 9:50 pm after poojas. The theft might have occurred late in the night, the police said.
The police also scanned the CCTV footage for clues, they said adding, fingerprint experts were also pressed into service.