Monk apprehended for stealing antique donation box

EOI, KURSEONG, 25 Jan 2014: In a rather astonishing incident, a monk has been arrested here in connection to the theft of a donation box from a Tamang monastry. While on one hand the Tamang community is busy with a community convention being hosted in Rohini under Kurseong Sub Division since last three days, a huge donation box went missing here in one of the oldest Tamang monasteries. Reportedly, the size of the donation box is so large that at least four persons are needed to lift it.

It has been learnt the donation box which was kept at the Samtencholing Monastery, popularly known as the Tamang Gumba, was found stolen yesterday morning. However, the initial interpretation was that the box might have been shifted to upper store as the wall painting work was underway in the monastery.

As the word spread across the town, people were shocked but as they could not figure out how such a large antique box could go missing. Later, it was established the donation box was stolen and a monk was found to be involved with the theft.

A senior police official said as soon as an FIR was lodged with the police, they started investigating the case and a monk from the same monastery has been apprehended in relation to the theft.

According to the sources the box could contain a large amount of money, but the matter is still under investigation. The total amount and the people involved in the theft can only be established after the investigation gains momentum.