Sonepur: Twelve rare and ancient idols stolen 42 years ago from the Gopaljee temple in Sonepur town are finally expected to return to the shrine. The hope was revived Monday after the Khurda ADJ-3 Court in Bhubaneswar delivered its judgment in the case. Judge Himanshu Mallik issued the order, triggering widespread joy across Subarnapur district.
The Gopaljee Temple, located directly opposite the Sonepur royal palace, houses Lord Gopaljee, the presiding deity of the former royal family. After India’s independence and the end of monarchy, the responsibility of the temple fell on the government.
In 1982, 12 valuable idols — including those of Radha, Gopaljee, Garuda and nine other associated deities — were stolen from the temple. The same year, the CBI arrested the thieves at the Delhi airport. The idols were seized near Fatehpuri in Chandni Chowk and were later identified as belonging to the Gopaljee Temple. Since then, they have remained in the CBI storehouse in Bhubaneswar.
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Although media reports over the years highlighted the issue, administrative steps to bring the idols back were lacking. The temple committee made several attempts, and the matter eventually reached the courts. The court had advised that the idols be reinstated at the Gopaljee Temple, but the transfer did not take place due to various delays.
However, current district Collector Nruparaj Sahu renewed efforts to bring the idols back after learning of the issue. Sonepur sub-collector and endowment officer Soumyarupa Rath also pushed the process forward. With support from Mahant Bansidhar Das, legal advisers and devotees, officials say, the idols are likely to return to the Gopaljee Temple within a day or two.
