Lord Buddha's ashtadhatu idol seized, 2 arrested

Jaunpur, Nov 29 (UNI) An 'ashtadhatu' idol of Lord Buddha estimated at Rs 4 crore in the international market was recovered in the Line Bazaar area here today with the arrest of two smugglers.

Police Superintendent Lalji Shukla said a joint team of Special Operation Group (SOG) and district police frisked two suspicious looking youth at Jaycees crossing while the duo were waiting to board a bus for Varanasi this afternoon.

The four-kg antique idol was recovered from a bag they were carrying.

The duo identified themselves as Pintu Seth and Surajpal of Varanasi and Jaunpur districts respectively.

However, their aide Unil Prasad managed to escape.

The arrested duo confessed they were planning to sell the idol in Varanasi.

A manhunt had been launched to nab the absconding accused.

Meanwhile, the police team had been rewarded with Rs 2,500.

UNI