Antique idols worth Rs 5.3 million seized in West Bengal

Siliguri, Aug 13 (ANI): Customs officials on Thursday recovered antique idols of Hindu gods and goddesses, worth Rs 5.3 million in the international market, from West Bengal's Uttar Dinajur district.

"Last night, Siliguri customs team led by Siddharth Gupta, Superintendent, went to Uttar Dinajur district and near Raiganj there is a place called Bondhur. From there it recovered around 13 antique pieces and these antique pieces are believed to be of 8th and 10th century origin and the value as being assessed is around Rs 53 lakh(Rs 5.3 million)," said Jyoti Kumar Bubana, Assistant Commissioner of Customs Department.

The agency is conducting a probe, however no arrest has been made.

Smugglers are suspected to use the route from Uttar Dinajur district to smuggle antique idols to Nepal through Siliguri border.

Unauthorised dealing in antiques is banned under the Antiquity and Art Treasure Act (AATA). Under the Act, no object more than 100 years old can be taken out of the country without permission. (ANI)