Mangalore: The major burglary of antique idols worth nearly Rs 13 crores from the Siddantha Bhavan in Guru Basadi Complex of Moodbidri has shocked the district. The police who are investigating into the case have released a sketch of a suspect in the case. The sketch has been sent to all police stations across the state as well as the neighbouring states.

Informing this, Mangalore Police Commissioner Manish Kharbikar said the sketch has been prepared as per the details provided by the locals regarding a person who was moving around suspiciously in the Basadi area following the burglary.

He said armed guards have been posted at the Basadi as a precautionary measure and that there were plans to shift some of the remaining idols to bank lockers. A final decision will be taken after the seer of the Jain Mutt returns from his foreign tour, he said.

The Commissioner said the CCTV footages have failed to identify the burglar who has kept his face covered with a monkey cap. The windows of the Basadi have been sealed by the Basadi authorities. It may be recalled here that the thief had gained entry into the Basadi by breaking open the window using gas cutter.