Yet another theft in Maharashtra’s village without locks

AHMEDNAGAR - Known for its homes and shops with no doors or locks, the temple village of Shani-Shingnapur in this Maharashtra’s district Saturday reported yet another theft early Saturday, police said. Four thefts were reported in the village last year.

Saturday’s theft took place at the house of Dagdu Sheth, one of the members of the trust which looks after the main temple to Lord Shani (Saturn) in the village.

The theft worth Rs.73,000 was reported in Sonai police station. “Rs.50,000, two gold rings and a mobile phone have been stolen from Sheth’s residence,” Assistant Police Inspector B.D. Mane told IANS.

“It is very disturbing that the village that was well-known for door-less homes and shops is seeing thefts of late. Last year, there were four thefts in this temple village,” he added.

Shani-Shingnapur, with a population of around 2,000, is situated around 375 km from Mumbai.

The village was renowned as a place where no thefts or robberies take place, with the strong belief that the Lord Shani, the presiding deity of the village, protects the village and its surroundings.

The dwellings in the village have no doors or locks, but just a curtain to protect the privacy of the occupants, and people left their homes unattended for hours or days.