Kashmir's Javed was smuggling idols for 30 years, ancient statues worth 40 crores recovered
Kashmir's Javed was smuggling idols for 30 years, ancient statues worth 40 crores recovered
Share:

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Police on Tuesday (January 11, 2022) arrested a Kashmiri businessman named Javed Shah who was involved in an international idol theft racket. A statue worth about Rs 40 crore has been recovered from his possession. Police have scanned his contacts and are on the lookout for others associated with the network. In addition to the CB-CID statue wing of Tamil Nadu Police, the Director-General of Police (ADGP) had received input that some statues were illegally kept at a shop in Mahabalipuram.

A Special Police Team (SIT) was constituted on the basis of input. The team then handed over Javed Shah's shop to the Indian Handicrafts Emporium. Javed Shah was also arrested from the spot after the information was corrected. Police recovered ancient idols and items from his shop in the raid. These include 11 statues including eight items. The archaeological department after an investigation said that the statues date back to the 11th century. Police investigation revealed that Javed did not even have a licence to sell the idols.

The recovered idols include a statue of Goddess Parvati, a flute-playing statue of Lord Krishna, a ten-headed statue of Ravana and other ancient objects. In the international market, they are estimated to be around Rs. 40 crores. Police say Javed Shah could be the tip of the racket and his strings may be linked to major international criminals. Police said Javed is a resident of Kashmir and runs an idol shop in Mahabalipuram. During interrogation, Javed told the police that he has been smuggling for the last 30 years. He said he used to secretly sell precious idols to tourists visiting hotels in the city. He has been remanded to police remand after being arrested. Meanwhile, his brother is said to be absconding. Police are ascertaining which temples these statues belong to.

Young man beaten up on the charge of child theft

Rajasthan Gang rape case update, surgery successful

Yogi police seized property worth crores of Shakib in Sotiganj

Join NewsTrack Whatsapp group
Related News