Priest commits suicide after being quizzed for idol theft

Chittoor, Sep 1 (UNI) The priest of the historic Venugopalaswamy temple here allegedly committed suicide by drinking poison today after being interrogated by the police over the theft of a 'panchaloha' idol, official sources said.

The 100-year-old idol, stolen yesterday, was recovered from agricultural fields in Krishnapuram village of the district after villagers found it and alerted the police. The idol was valued at Rs 20 lakh.

Police said they had interrogated the priest Gopalayya and his family members over the theft. They were detained for questioning yesterday and released later in the night.

According to the police, 65-year-old Gopalayya had left a note stating that he was 'ashamed over the incident.' UNI KNR ANR SPA RK1705