Police in Tawang detained a 54-year-old tourist from West Bengal for allegedly stealing sacred items from the famous Tawang Monastery and the nearby Giant Buddha Statue Park, officials said on Thursday.
Authorities identified the suspect after CCTV footage of the incident circulated widely on social media. The footage showed the tourist taking religious objects from the two locations, which are among the most visited spiritual and tourist sites in the region.
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CCTV Footage Helped Identify the Suspect
Tawang Deputy Superintendent of Police Kato Tasso said investigators reviewed CCTV recordings soon after the video went viral online. The footage helped police quickly identify the individual involved in the theft.
According to police, the man removed a Buddha idol from the monastery premises. He also took a pair of Tingsha cymbals and two metal butter lamps from the Giant Buddha Statue Park.
The items hold religious significance and are commonly used in Buddhist rituals and offerings.
Police Recover Stolen Sacred Items
A police team launched a search operation and tracked the tourist on Wednesday morning. Officers detained him and recovered all the stolen objects from his possession.
Officials estimated the total value of the items at around Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000. Police confirmed that the recovered items included the Buddha idol, the Tingsha cymbals, and the two butter lamps.
Authorities later returned the sacred objects to the concerned monastery and park authorities.
Monastery Administration Chooses Leniency
Despite the incident, the management of the Buddha Park Gompa decided not to pursue formal legal action against the tourist.
Officials said the caretaker monk and the administration accepted the man’s apology after he admitted his mistake. He also assured them that he would not repeat such behaviour in the future.
Following this, police refrained from filing a formal case. However, officers required the tourist to sign a written undertaking promising to respect religious places and follow the law.
Police Issue Warning on Respecting Religious Sites
Police warned that they would take strict legal action if the man commits a similar offence again. Authorities also reminded visitors to respect religious institutions and cultural heritage sites.
Officials emphasised that sacred places such as Tawang Monastery attract thousands of visitors every year. Therefore, tourists must follow local customs and maintain proper conduct during their visit.
Tourist Had Arrived for Vacation
According to police sources, the man had arrived in Tawang with his wife on March 2 for a holiday. Investigators believe he committed the theft during his visit to the monastery and the Buddha park.
The incident drew attention online after the CCTV clip circulated widely on social media platforms. However, the quick response from police led to the recovery of the stolen items within a short period.
Authorities said the case highlights the importance of surveillance systems at major tourist destinations. They also urged visitors to treat religious objects and cultural sites with respect while travelling in the region.
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