Dhenkanal, Nov. 26: Criminals have looted three rare 12th century idols from the Kapilash temple.

This was the third such incident reported from the shrine in the past two years -thanks to poor security. In two earlier cases, hundi and some other ornaments of the deities were stolen. Police have not been able to solve the cases.

The cops suspect that the thieves from outside the state might be behind the theft. The three idols, weighing 40 to 50kg each, were made in black granite and installed at Mukhasala and Singhdwar of the Shiv shrine. The stolen idols are of Lord Ganesh, Goddess Durga and Goddess Bhairabi. While the former two were taken out from Mukhasala, the third one was looted from Singdwar.

The theft came to the fore when priests reached the temple today morning. Later, M. Mishra, a priest, lodged a complaint at Gondia police station. The police inspected the spot with a scientific team and dogs squad.

"We are yet to find any clue. We suspect the involvement of outsiders. A Bolero having the registration number of another state was seen roaming near the temple last night. We are exploring all angles," said the inspector in charge of Gondia police station H. Swain.

In protest against the thefts, the priests today stopped puja for nearly six hours. They called off their protest after the district administration had assured them of adequate security on the temple premises.