What began as a temple burglary in Gujarat’s Kutch district has reportedly unravelled a calculated 'theft plan', with police alleging the accused used Google Maps to commit the crime.
Acting on a tip-off, police arrested the duo and recovered jewellery, cash and mobile phones from them. (PTI)
Police said on Sunday that they have arrested two men for allegedly carrying out thefts by using Google Maps to identify and target temples.
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They arrested Panchabhai Koli from Gedi and Javed Ghanchi from Umaiya while they were allegedly on their way to Radhanpur to dispose of stolen jewellery. Acting on a tip-off, officers arrested the duo and recovered jewellery, cash and mobile phones from them, as per a report by India Today.
The investigation began after a theft at Khodiyar Mata and Ramapir temples in Moti Hamirpar village, where jewellery worth ₹1,10,150 was stolen. Police said they cracked the case within days, leading them to the two accused, the report further mentioned.
How the thefts were carried out
During interrogation, police found that Ghanchi used Google Maps to scan for temples located in remote areas. After identifying targets, the two would go to the temples at night and break open locks using a sharp iron tool typically used for cutting coconuts. They would then steal valuables and leave before being detected.
Police said the arrests have helped them solve several thefts, including incidents reported at the Selari temple. Police are examining whether the duo was involved in more such cases.
Officials said they recovered 14 silver umbrellas, a silver-like metal snake, cash and mobile phones. The total value of seized property is estimated at around ₹10 lakh. In addition, ₹2,28,160 in cash was also recovered.
Police have registered three cases against Javed Ghanchi and two against Panchabhai Koli under various sections of the law. Further investigation into the matter is underway.
Shivya Kanojia is a journalist at Hindustan Times, where she works in the fast-paced digital news ecosystem with a strong sense of editorial judgement and a clear understanding of what makes a story both important and traffic-driven. An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Shivya brings a thoughtful balance of news value and audience relevance to her work, ensuring stories resonate beyond the immediate headline. Over the course of her three-year journey in the digital news space, Shivya has worked across a wide range of beats, including politics, civic issues, human-interest features and trending news. This diverse exposure has shaped her ability to approach stories with nuance, adaptability and context, whether she is breaking down complex developments or spotlighting everyday narratives that often go unnoticed. She is particularly drawn to human-interest stories, interviews and explainers that offer depth and clarity, aiming to move past surface-level reporting to explore the people, emotions and circumstances behind the news. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Shivya worked with Firstpost and Times Now, where she covered a broad spectrum of topics and honed her skills in digital journalism . Outside the newsroom, Shivya enjoys discovering new cafés, drawn to good coffee, cosy spaces and unhurried conversations. Shopping is another pastime she cherishes, not always out of necessity, but often guided by instinct and the simple joy of stumbling upon unexpected finds. Above all, she treasures time spent with loved ones, finding meaning in shared laughter, simple moments and memories that linger long after.
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Home/India News/How temple thefts in Gujarat were planned using Google Maps and executed at night
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