West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Kalimpong police have apprehended a significant suspect, 30-year-old Kiran Darji from Sichey, Gangtok (Sikkim), for his alleged role in a series of burglaries targeting six religious sites across the district. The arrest brings relief to communities on edge and marks a breakthrough in the ongoing investigation .

Over the past two months, places of worship—including the 3rd Mile Hanuman Mandir, Shiva Mandir near Lava, Nag Mandir at 6th Mile, and three monasteries in 16th Mile, Samalbong, and Sherpa Gaon (Gorubathan) areas—fell victim to thefts involving stolen donations and puja items.

Police formed two Special Investigation Teams (SITs) and analysed CCTV footage, identifying a recurring Maruti Alto SUV registered in Sikkim. Enhanced patrols and roadblocks (naka checks) were deployed to intercept the vehicle and its occupants .

Last Friday, officers at Kumari More, Jaldhaka, nearly intercepted the Alto. The suspects fled, ramming into a police mobile van, and proceeded toward Malbazar, where the vehicle ultimately overturned and was abandoned .

Technical surveillance traced cellphone usage to the Panitanki area near the India–Nepal border in Darjeeling district. Acting swiftly, Kalimpong police units arrested Darji on Monday as he attempted to cross into Nepal .

During interrogation, officers confirmed that Darji admitted involvement in the temple and monastery thefts and provided information about additional accomplices . Officials also noted signs of substance abuse, stating, “We suspect he is addicted to chemical substances”.

On Tuesday, Darji was presented in a local court, where the police requested a five-day remand to question him further.. The ongoing probe will expand to include the roles of other suspects and recover stolen material such as donations and sacred items.

Kalimpong's DSP HQ, Bhanu Rai, and DSP DEB, Kalyan Gurung, emphasized the value of modern investigative methods—like CCTV scrutiny, mobile tracking, and coordinated naka operations—in apprehending Darji.

Kalimpong’s temples and monasteries, which play essential roles in the region's spiritual life and tourism, were deeply shaken. Local worshippers and monks expressed relief at the news of the arrest and hope for a full recovery of all stolen offerings.

Investigators reaffirmed their intent to locate stolen items and conduct raids to dismantle the wider network involved in the burglaries.

This case underscores the importance of enhanced security for religious and cultural sites. With improved patrols, checkpoints, surveillance, and technological cooperation across jurisdictions, authorities in Kalimpong are taking proactive steps to safeguard community heritage and restore public confidence.

As the investigation widens, residents and devotees await the return of sacred items and expect continued action against anyone found complicit in these sacrilegious crimes.