Lord Buddha's Tooth in Burma Stolen

I got this news from omega7ven and was shock to hear that. Who would think of doing unthinkable act like that. I bet the thief is not a true buddhist.
How sad.

Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
August 15, 2005

In a sensational theft, which has left authorities dumbfounded a tooth of Lord Buddha --a historic and religious relic was stolen on August 14. The tooth was presented by the Chinese government to Burma.

Along with the tooth the thieves made off with, a small alter made of gold that is currently valued at 50 million Kyat from the Buddha's Replica Tooth Relic Pagoda (Swedaw Myat Pagoda) in Mayangone township in Rangoon. The altar has been missing since Sunday morning, a source close to police department said.

Police Confirm

When contacted by Mizzima, a police officer from the Mayangone Police Station confirmed the theft.

"The Divisional and District Police Officers are now at the pagoda, investigating it. We have detained some suspects but we do not know the culprit (s) yet", he told Mizzima News over phone.

Gautama Buddha's sacred tooth was presented to the Burmese government by China in 1994. The presentation was part of a programme of friendly cooperation between the two countries.

The sacred tooth replica given its religious and historic value, was enshrined in the Buddha's Replica Tooth Relic Pagoda, Rangoon on Dhammapala Hill in Mayangone Township.

The pagoda is near the residence of the head of the military junta Senior Gen. Than Shwe and is located in the same ward where he stays.

A tight security cordon has been thrown around the area. Investigations are on.">Lord Buddha's Tooth in Burma Stolen: "Lord Buddha's Tooth in Burma Stolen

Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
August 15, 2005

In a sensational theft, which has left authorities dumbfounded a tooth of Lord Buddha --a historic and religious relic was stolen on August 14. The tooth was presented by the Chinese government to Burma.

Along with the tooth the thieves made off with, a small alter made of gold that is currently valued at 50 million Kyat from the Buddha's Replica Tooth Relic Pagoda (Swedaw Myat Pagoda) in Mayangone township in Rangoon. The altar has been missing since Sunday morning, a source close to police department said.

Police Confirm

When contacted by Mizzima, a police officer from the Mayangone Police Station confirmed the theft.

'The Divisional and District Police Officers are now at the pagoda, investigating it. We have detained some suspects but we do not know the culprit (s) yet', he told Mizzima News over phone.

Gautama Buddha's sacred tooth was presented to the Burmese government by China in 1994. The presentation was part of a programme of friendly cooperation between the two countries.

The sacred tooth replica given its religious and historic value, was enshrined in the Buddha's Replica Tooth Relic Pagoda, Rangoon on Dhammapala Hill in Mayangone Township.

The pagoda is near the residence of the head of the military junta Senior Gen. Than Shwe and is located in the same ward where he stays.

A tight security cordon has been thrown around the area. Investigations are on."