Century old antiques seized in UP capital

Lucknow, Sep 2 (UNI) Police today busted an idol smuggling syndicate in Mahanagar area of the Uttar Pradesh capital and seized three centuries-old antiques, estimated at crores of rupees in the international market.

Addressing a news conference here, SSP B P Jogdand said on being tip-off about the presence of notorious idols' smugglers under Mahanagar police station area, a police team reached the spot and cordoned off the area.

On being challenged, the accused opened fire. In the ensuing encounter, five gang members, identified as Ramesh Yadav, Kailash Yadav, Somnath Singh, Santosh Bajpai and Sushil Trivedi were arrested and three stolen precious idols were recovered from their possession.

The booty included a century old 'ashtadhatu' idol, Lord Buddha's terracotta idol of 5th century and another of the 12th century.

According to police, the arrested included a gram pradhan of a village in Sarojini Nagar area.

On interrogation, the accused confessed to the crime, saying they had brought the 'ashtadhatu' idol from Rajesh Singh alias Rajje of Unnao, while the terracotta consignments was acquired from a constable Ravi.

A manhunt has been launched to nab others involved in the trade.

UNI