Idols worth Rs 10 million recovered by Chennai police

Chennai, Sep 1(ANI): Nine antique idols, stolen from Panchaloka temple in Tamil Nadu, were recovered by Chennai police on Monday.

According to reports, it included idols of Lord Vishnu, Lord Balamurugan, Lord Azhwar, Goddess Sridevi and Goddess Boomadevi.

The idols were recovered from three men, who were identified as Shyam, Murugan and Sugumaran.

It is said that the idols are worth Rs 10 million and have their origins in the tenth century.

"A special team intercepted the central railway station of Chennai on suspicion. Subsequently, we found out three persons with all the nine idols were there inside the car. They were arrested immediately, the value of the idols is Rs 10 million in the Indian market," said S Rajendran, Inspector General of Police (Economic Idol Wing).

The three accused who had intentions to export the idols, have been remanded to judicial custody.

The alleged thieves also operate an antique showroom, which was a meeting point for both the sellers and buyers of stolen antique items. (ANI)