Pedakakani police have taken into custody a 26-year-old priest accused of stealing gold ornaments from Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Pedakakani, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. The suspect, identified as Kondaveeti Randeep, son of Nataraju, a resident of Pathuru village, was employed as a contract archaka at the temple.
According to officials, Randeep used his familiarity with the temple layout to enter the sanctum on August 18, 2026, and remove gold mangalsutras from the deity. He allegedly concealed the items and later attempted to sell them. During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed and guided investigators to the hidden ornaments, leading to the recovery of approximately 68 grams of gold.
Recovered items include a gold coin chain weighing about 50 grams, two gold mangalsutras, and an additional gold chain of roughly 18 grams. Police have linked the recovered property to the theft registered under Sections 305(d) and 303(2) of the BNS at the Pedakakani police station. The investigation remains ongoing, and Randeep was arrested on September 2, with plans to present him before the court.
Guntur North DSP Ch. Murali Krishna, Inspector T. Peda Narayana Swamy, Sub-Inspectors Ch. Suresh and D. Ramakrishna, among others, addressed a press conference at the police station on Wednesday, providing details of the arrest and the ongoing probe.
