Haldwani, May 18 -- Unidentified people decamped with silver items weighing nearly one kilogram, including a ceremonial chhatra (umbrella), an idol and other valuables, from the Malaynath Temple located in Bungachhina area of Pithoragarh district, officals said. The incident came to light on Saturday morning when devotees arrived at the temple for prayers and found its doors open. Following the discovery, an FIR was registered and a police investigation has been initiated, officials said. According to Circle Officer (CO) Govind Ballabh Joshi, villagers informed the police about the theft following which a police team immediately reached the spot. The temple committee stated that the stolen items included three silver chhatras and chains, a silver umbrella, a serpent idol (Nag), two sacred silver threads (Janeu), two plates and several other religious articles. The total stolen silver items weigh over one kilogram, committee members said. The theft was discovered by Shankar Singh Chauhan, a resident of Khadkot, who arrived at the temple for morning prayers. Finding the temple doors open, he alerted members of the temple committee, officials said. Police said that an FIR has been registered at Thal Police Station against unidentified persons and efforts are underway to trace the accused. Officials added that the case is expected to be solved soon. Historically, the Malaynath Temple is believed to have been established by the Chand rulers in Rajkot (Didihat) during the 14th century. The region was once part of the erstwhile Shira Kingdom, according to local historical accounts....