Unidentified miscreants took away an idol of Lord Mahadev and desecrated two other idols at the famous Panchmukhi Mahadev temple in Lokaha area of Bihar's Madhubani district, sparking off tension in the area, the police said on Sunday.
The theft was noticed when the devotees visited the temple at dawn break today and found the lord Mahadev idol missing and two others -- of Lord Hanuman and goddess Parvati -- damaged, officiating Superintendent of Police Naresh Prasad said.
Tension mounted in the area as the news spread, Prasad said, adding a police force rushed to the spot soon after being informed by the devotees and the temple priests.
An FIR was lodged for theft and desecration of the idols, Prasad said. The situation is still remain tense but under control.
Senior police officers, including deputy superintendent of police (Phulparas), were camping near the temple to monitor the situation, Prasad said.
Intensive raids were continuing to recover the idol and apprehend those involved, he added.