Police said Mane forced entry into the historic temple in Shaniwar Peth after removing the steel mesh fit below its doors on Wednesday night. Earlier, he had allegedly cut a piece of plywood fit on the temple door and tried to enter inside.

An alert neighbour, who noticed the sound, alarmed a police team led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Suresh Kamlakar who was patrolling the area.

Mane was found hiding atop a loft in the temple after the police summonedthe priest and opened the temple. Cash of Rs 4,750 and a silver tooth which was removed from the ancient idol were found on his person, according to the police.