Dolpa, September 23
The case involving the alleged theft of donation money from the Bala Tripurasundari Temple in Tripurasundari Municipality-1, Dolpa, has become more complicated after money was found at the temple on two separate days.
Donation money kept at the temple’s main worship area went missing at around 9:30 am on Saturday, September 19. The incident was not immediately made public and came to light on Sunday through social media.
Following the disclosure, a police team led by DSP Anilraj Giri and Chief District Officer Junu Hamal Dhakal reached the temple and began an investigation.
On Monday evening, the Shri Bala Tripurasundari Shusankadari Yogini Udyan Peeth issued a statement saying around Rs 55,000 in donation money had been found tied to a timur tree on the western side of the temple. The money was handed over to priest Ram Prasad Upadhyay by police head constable Indra Bahadur GC, who heads the temple security post.
However, around Rs 54,000 was reportedly found again inside the temple premises on Tuesday afternoon. According to locals, the second amount was made public by the priest as the temple’s money.
The discovery of nearly identical amounts on two different days has raised questions about how much money was actually stolen and whether either amount was the money reported missing on Saturday.
Police said they are investigating the source and authenticity of both amounts and the people involved. One person is currently in police custody, although police said the person’s name would be made public on Wednesday afternoon.
The temple is equipped with CCTV cameras covering its interior and surrounding areas. Police are examining the footage and other evidence as part of the investigation.
