A replica of Buddha's tooth -- a holy relic of the Buddhist religion -- has been stolen from a temple in the Burmese capital of Rangoon.
The tooth and several precious gems were found missing from the Tooth Relic of Buddha Pagoda in Mayangon township in northern Rangoon.
The pagoda is near the residence of the head of Burma's military junta, Senior General Than Shwe.
Soldiers have sealed the pagoda premises and pilgrims are not allowed to visit while the theft is being investigated.
The tooth was presented to the Burmese government by China in 1994.
Only two genuine Buddha's teeth are generally acknowledged to be in existence -- one in China and the other in Sri Lanka.
Information for this report is provided by AP.
