Idol thieves' gang busted, two arrested in Bhagalpur

Bhagalpur police busted an international gang of thieves involved in stealing precious idols from temples. Two of the gang members --Monu Jha (of Jagdishpur) and Pintu Kumar (of Ikrama village) -- were arrested on Monday. They were involved in the theft of precious idols of Radha-Krishna from the Thakubaari temple at Saino village under Jagdishpur police station of the district. The idols were stolen on November 17. A raid was conducted on a tip-off that the stolen idols were hidden in a house at Ghorha village under Goradih block.Police recovered the idols and arrested two of the five gang members involved in the theft. Police also recovered arms, ammunition and two mobile phones from their possession. Sources said the two idols weighing nearly 65kg were made of 'ashtadhatu'.
Schools closed in Aurangabad: Aurangabad DM Kanwal Tanuj on Monday ordered all government and private schools in the district to remain closed from December 6 to 10 due to severe cold. He issued the directive to the SDM (sadar) Surendra Prasad to implement the order strictly. In a press release issued by the DM's office, it has been mentioned that schools have been closed as a precautionary measure so that students do not suffer due to dipping temperature and cold conditions. "I have asked the officials to arrange blankets and woolen clothes for the needy. Bonfires will be also arranged," said the DM.
1,175 liquor bottles seized in Bhojpur: Police on Monday seized over 1,175 bottles of Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) at Nayeka Tola village under Khawaspur police outpost (OP) of Barhara block in Bhojpur district. Officer-in-charge of Khawaspur OP Narendra Kumar said, "We seized the liquor bottles at around 10.30am. The bottles were hidden beneath a heap of hay in a pick-up van parked in front of the house of Tej Narayana Yadav and Dev Narayana Yadav." All the suspects, including the pick-up van driver, managed to escape. Police have lodged an FIR against Tej Narayan Yadav, Dev Narayana Yadav and the pick-up van owner.
Munger Mahotsav concludes: The chill on Sunday night failed to deter people from coming out of their homes and enjoy the cultural programme on the concluding day of the three-day Munger Mahotasav, organized on the occasion of the district's foundation day. Noted playback singer Sadhna Sargam performed at the show organized on Sunday evening. Her mellifluous voice had the audience dancing with cheer on every song like.. "pehla nasha, pahla khumar", "teri umeed, tera intezar karti hun" and "kaal college band ho jayega" etc. "It was an awesome evening and the audience enjoyed throughout the two-hour concert. She was a real entertainer," said a visitor, R K Sharma. Earlier in the day, speakers from the field of education, law and social activists participated in a lively symposium on 'Qualitative Education and Prohibition'. A friendly football match was also played. PRD regional director K K Upadhya proposed a vote of thanks.
Liquor bottles found: One Hiralal Sahani was arrested and 71 bottles of IMFL seized from his Kailashnagar residence under Pathakauli police station in Bagaha on Sunday night.