An HIV positive man robbed a temple claiming it was revenge against God. Read the shocking details of this unusual crime and its background.
A deeply disturbing case from Chhattisgarh has left many questioning the boundaries between personal trauma, faith, and crime. A 45-year-old HIV-positive man in Durg, Chhattisgarh, has been arrested after carrying out a nearly decade-long series of thefts from temple donation boxes. He confessed that the thefts were an act of revenge against God, whom he blamed for his HIV infection—described by him as an “act of god.”
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The Arrest and Confession
What We Know
The man was taken into custody recently following the break-in at a Jain temple on the outskirts of Durg, committed during the night of August 23–24. Authorities found him to be HIV-positive—he revealed he contracted the virus during a year-long jail term in 2012 for an assault case.
He stated the infection was an “act of God” and embarked on temple thefts to demonstrate his anger and “show God His place”.([turn0news13], [turn0news15], [turn0search2])
Span and Pattern of the Crimes
- He confessed to targeting at least 10 temples in Durg and surrounding areas, though the number might be higher.
- His modus operandi was methodical: he conducted reconnaissance, parked his two-wheeler at a distance, changed clothes, and entered stealthily.
- He stole only cash from donation boxes, deliberately leaving jewelry behind to reduce chances of being caught. He used back alleys and avoided CCTV cameras. In startling contrast, he would bow before leaving each temple.([turn0news15], [turn0search2], [turn0news16])
Psychological and Emotional Context
Reasons Behind a Sinister Justification
Prison, illness, and the breakdown of trust in both God and society appear to have created a toxic mix. The accused lost his job, his health, and his faith—a combination he believed merited retaliation against a divine entity.
Signs of Mental Instability
Authorities noted that he displayed clear signs of psychological distress, likely aggravated by his health condition and social isolation. His carefully planned crimes reflect a troubled mind seeking both survival and symbolic redemption through vengeance.([turn0news15])
Investigation & Police Work
How He Was Caught
- The investigation began in earnest after the latest theft. Police analyzed CCTV footage, used tracking tools like the Trinayan app, and monitored his routes.
- Despite his evasive tactics—clothing changes, alternate paths—investigators tracked him to his home and arrested him.([turn0news15], [turn0search8])
Recovery and Custody
Authorities recovered approximately ₹1,282 in coins and seized the two-wheeler used in the crimes. He was subsequently remanded to 14-day judicial custody.([turn0news15], [turn0search2])
Broader Social and Legal Reflections
Temple Safety Centers Stage of Vulnerability
Temples serve as places of sacred sanctuary. This incident underlines how even religious sites, which rely heavily on public trust and goodwill, can be disrupted by internal disillusionment.
Deepening Stigma Around HIV
The accused’s belief that HIV was a divine curse instead of a medical condition reflects the pervasive stigma surrounding the disease. This incident prompts wider conversations about mental health, social ostracism, and the healing role of community.
The Intersection of Crime and Morality
This case forces a reflection on crime motivators that are not financial—but spiritual and emotional. The thefts were not simply for survival but were symbolic acts rooted in deep resentment and suffering.
Conclusion
This case is unsettling on many levels—emotionally, spiritually, and socially. A man driven by illness, despair, and resentment turned temples into his stage of revenge, targeting symbols he believed had failed him.
Moving forward, this tragedy underscores the need for public interventions in mental health, compassionate care for marginalized individuals, and reinforced temple security. Most importantly, it reminds us that undercurrents of pain and disillusionment, if left unattended, can escalate in unpredictable and tragic ways.
