Patna: Criminals struck at a temple belonging to a math (monastery) in Samastipur district in the early hours of Thursday and took away at least seven precious ashtadhatu (made of eight metals including gold and silver) idols of deities kept there, triggering protests by local residents.

The police have launched investigation to recover the stolen idols.

The incident occurred at Narghoghi math's temple under the jurisdiction of Sarairanjan police station in the district. It is a popular one among the people and has at least around 400 acres of land attached to it. The idols are said to be centuries-old and would now cost several crores of rupees.

Samastipur Sadar deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Mohammad Tanveer said a group of criminals targeted the temple between midnight and 1am. "They overpowered and tied up three of our security personnel deployed there before decamping with seven out of 21 idols kept there. We got information around 3.30am and rushed to the spot," Tanveer said.

Samastipur superintendent of police (SP) Deepak Ranjan also reached the place of occurrence. The news spread like wildfire and the villagers from surrounding areas assembled around the temple to protest the theft. "We have launched investigation into the theft. We are also looking into factionalism and rivalry-related to the math. Our guards posted there have given contradictory statements. Magazines of their firearms were found thrown at three different places, raising our suspicion."

The criminals did not touch the mahant or head priest of the math.

"The police were able to identify the stolen idols on the basis of previous photographs and empty stands after the theft. Some of them were embedded with precious stones," Tanveer said. He added that some idols were recently stolen from Vaini area also.

Sarairanjan station house officer Amit Kumar added that gangs suspected of idol thefts were being identified and technical investigations had also been launched to nab the culprits.