Astadhatu idol seized, two held

Gorakhpur, Oct 8 (UNI) A joint team of Special Operation Group (SOG) and local police arrested two smugglers and seized a precious 'Astadhatu' idol in Sewahari area here late last night, police said today.

The lord Vishnu's 'Astadhatu' idol, was estimate at Rs five crore in the international market.

Acting on a tip-off, the police team laid a cordon near Shivghat at Bihar border, where they intercepted two motorcycle-borne.

In a bid to escape, the motorcyclists fired at the police, however, they lost control of the vehicle and slipped off, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Gorakhpur Zone) K K Tripathi told UNI.

The police seized the Astadhatu idol, chowki and countrymade pistol and cartridges from the accused, identified as Indrish and Khushbuddin, Mr Tripathi added.

The duo have been sent to jail.

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