'Ashtadhatu' idols worth crores seized, 6 held

Sultanpur, Nov 19 (UNI) Police has unearthed an idol smuggling syndicate in Akhandnagar area here and arrested its six members possessing four ancient 'ashtadhatu' idols estimated at several crores of rupees in the international market.

Acting on a tip-off, cops swooped upon Surendra Kahar, Sonu alias Alok Singh, Rajesh Pal, Brahmadev Yadav, Hridya Narayan Mishra and Brijesh Maurya under Akhandnagar police station area yesterday evening.

Antique idols of Lord Ram, Laxman, Sita and Laddu Gopal were recovered from their possession.

On July 7, the burglars had stolen the idols from the ancient Ram Janki Temple of Baba Baldeo Trust after tranquilising its priest.

Meanwhile, IG, Lucknow zone, A K Jain has announced a reward of Rs 10,000 to the police team.

UNI