Idol Wing Police Apprehend Four Smugglers, Seize Ancient Metal Idols in Tamil Nadu
In a significant crackdown on cultural heritage theft, the Idol Wing police of Tamil Nadu have arrested four individuals and recovered two antique metal idols believed to date back to the 14th-15th century period. The operation unfolded during a routine vehicle check on the Thanjavur-Chennai National Highway near Kumbakonam, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat the illicit trade of historical artifacts.
Highway Interception Leads to Major Bust
According to an official police release, a specialized team conducted an inspection of a suspicious car parked near Valayapettai on Friday night. During the search, officers discovered two metal idols carefully wrapped in gunny bags inside the vehicle. The driver, identified as K Ramachandran, and a passenger, C Manikandan, were immediately questioned regarding the ownership of these artifacts.
When the duo failed to produce any legitimate documentation proving ownership, police investigations revealed a more sinister plot. It was ascertained that the idols had been stolen and that Ramachandran, Manikandan, along with two accomplices, were actively attempting to sell these precious items abroad, likely to private collectors or illicit markets.
Details of the Recovered Idols
The seized idols include:
- A deity idol possibly representing Sudharsanar-Vishnu, weighing 77.3 kilograms, with dimensions of 90 centimeters in height and 48 centimeters in width.
- A female goddess idol, identified as Devi, weighing 35.4 kilograms, standing 73 centimeters tall and 31 centimeters wide.
Both artifacts exhibit significant historical and cultural value, underscoring the importance of their recovery. In addition to the idols, the police have seized the car used in the smuggling attempt as evidence.
Legal Proceedings and Arrests
Based on a formal complaint filed by Sub-Inspector of Police K Dhandayudhapani, a case has been registered against the accused. Following initial interrogations, police also arrested two additional suspects: V Mugilan and S Johnson. All four men were subsequently produced before the Additional Chief Judicial Court in Kumbakonam, where they were remanded to judicial custody as the investigation continues.
Separate International Recovery Effort
In a related development, Assistant Director General of Police (ADSP), Trichy, G Balamurugan, received intelligence regarding an antique stone pillar seized by the Federal Ministry of Interior Criminal Intelligence Service, Cultural Property Unit, in Austria (Bundeskriminalamt). This pillar, estimated to weigh approximately 0.5 tonnes, features a bas-relief of a deity and is believed to date back to the 18th-19th century.
Curator of the Idol Wing, P S Sriraman, examined photographs of the pillar and provided expert analysis. He opined that the artifact is crafted from a light buff granite block, typically found in the north-western regions of Tamil Nadu, such as the Krishnagiri-Dharmapuri belt, or adjoining areas including the Kolar district of Karnataka or Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. The pillar is likely sourced from small mandapas (pillared halls) common in temple architecture of that era.
Authorities have confirmed that the process of repatriating this significant cultural artifact from Austria to India is currently underway. Further investigations are being conducted to trace the origins and smuggling route of this pillar, as well as to identify any additional suspects involved.
This dual operation underscores the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies to protect India's rich cultural heritage from illicit trafficking and ensure the preservation of historical treasures for future generations.
