Ugratara temple idol, valuables looted

The centuries-old idol of Goddess Tara has gone missing along with other valuables from the famous Shakti shrine Ugratara Temple in Jorpukhuri area here, police said Friday.

The idol, made of 'astadhatu' (eight metals), was found missing when the priest opened the temple door on Friday morning. Other valuables including cash from the donation box was also looted, they said.

The temple authorities informed the Latasil police station, which is located barely 200 metres away from the temple.

According to the CCTV footage of the temple, four persons were seen looting and vandalising the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and taking away the idol.

A massive search operation has been launched to nab the culprits and investigations have already begun, police said.

The Secretary of the Temple Committee, Kailash Sarmah, said that the idol was in his family for centuries and the authorities must take urgent measures to ensure that it was recovered at the earliest.

He said the idol dated back to to 1044 AD and the temple is revered as one of the 51 'Shaktipeeths' in the country.

The present temple was built in 1725 AD during the rule of Ahom King Siva Singh.