South Australia Police are seeking information after six marble statues representing Hindu deities were taken during a break-in at a temple in Adelaide’s Holden Hill area. The incident occurred at a temple on Peat Avenue shortly before 5am on Monday, 10 August, with police now working to identify those responsible and recover the missing religious items.
According to police, an unknown person entered the premises during the early-morning incident and removed six statues. Among the missing items are representations of Krishna and Kali. Damage was also reported at the temple following the intrusion, adding to the concerns of members of the local Hindu community.
The statues are understood to hold considerable cultural and financial importance for the community. Their significance extends beyond their material value, as religious statues form an important part of worship and community life at Hindu temples, making their disappearance particularly concerning for devotees and those connected with the place of worship.
Holden Hill police have continued inquiries into the incident and are attempting to establish who was involved. Investigators are also seeking information that could assist them in determining where the statues may have been taken following the break-in.
Police have appealed to anyone who was near the temple around the time of the incident to come forward, particularly people who may have noticed unusual activity or vehicles in the vicinity. Even information that appears minor could potentially assist investigators in establishing a clearer timeline of events.
Authorities are also asking members of the public who may have information about the missing statues to contact Crime Stoppers. Information can be supplied anonymously, allowing people with relevant knowledge to assist the investigation without providing their identity.
The case reference provided by police is 217357. Information can be submitted through Crime Stoppers online or by calling 1800 333 000. Police are particularly interested in information that may help locate the six statues or identify the person responsible for taking them.
The incident comes at a time when the cultural importance of Hindu religious objects in Australia is receiving increased attention. Earlier this year, Australia announced the return of three ancient Indian religious artefacts to India, including a representation of Goddess Bhadrakali, a Nandi sculpture and a six-headed Kartikeya statue. The announcement highlighted the importance attached to religious and cultural heritage between the two countries.
For Adelaide’s Hindu community, the priority now is the safe recovery of the missing statues and the identification of those responsible. The police investigation remains ongoing, and members of the public with relevant information are being encouraged to assist authorities through the available reporting channels.
