Burglary at popular Santhome Cathedral

Santhome Cathedral - one among the three churches claimed to be built over the tomb of an apostle - was Friday robbed by burglars who made away with lakhs of Indian rupees.

The church, an historical ancient pilgrim centre in Tamil Nadu's Mylapore, was burgled by unidentified men who broke open four collection boxes that contained the devotees' offerings made since last Tuesday.

The Portuguese constructed the church in 14th century AD as a tribute to St Thomas who was buried after killed by a spear at Mylapore.

According to sources, two special teams headed by Mylapore ACP Isaac Paulraj have been formed to nab the culprits. Since no doors were broken, and even two security guards were on duty, police suspect the burglars remained closed inside the church on Thursday.

Further, there were no signs of forced entry and CCTV footage visuals are also looking very hazy, said Paulraj, who has not ruled out an insider's hand.

"We are making a list of people who have been involved in temple thefts. We have questioned at least 125 persons including church officials and the people engaged in the decoration work on the night the theft happened," TOI quoted the police officer saying.

A similar robbery case was registered earlier this year at Annai Velankanni Church in Besant Nagar. The culprit sneaked into the chapel, broke open the wooden chest and made away with cash offerings worth at least Rs 1.25 lakh.