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There was more anger amongst the devotees as it was the 400th centenary year of Tukaram Maharaj. Consequently, a huge police force was deployed on bandobast duty in the region to avoid any untoward incidents. The theft was discovered on Sunday morning. According to the temple priest Hari Duttatraya More, all the ornaments and valuables, including the stolen mask, were locked in a safe at around 9.30 pm on Saturday. As per the tradition, the clothes, ornaments and mask were put on the idol in the main temple after the mahapuja, around 5.30 am. More said he was performing rituals at the adjacent Vithhal Rukmini temple when some devotees pointed out that the mask was missing. More immediately informed the office bearers and trustees of the temple. Residents held a meeting at the entrance of Dehu village to condemn the theft. All shops in the region were shut for the day. Senior officers of the rural police, including Superintendent Vishwas Nangare-Patil rushed to the spot and appealed to the citizens to maintain law and order. Police said the temple was open to devotees from 5 am. Police suspect that the thief came to the temple in the guise of a devotee and stole the mask, which is worth Rs 50,000. The Dehu road police station is investigating the case.
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