Idol Wing CID foils ₹7-crore antique idol smuggling bid in Cuddalore, arrests five
Police in Tamil Nadu's Cuddalore district arrested five individuals for attempting to smuggle three antique metal idols valued at ₹7 crore. The suspects had damaged the idols to test their gold content before being intercepted by the Idol Wing-CID.
Why it matters
This highlights ongoing efforts to combat the illegal trade of cultural heritage and religious artifacts, which remains a significant issue in India.
The officers of the Idol Wing-CID police foiled an illegal idol-smuggling attempt near Sethiathope in Cuddalore District, resulting in the arrest of five persons and the seizure of three antique metal idols, valued at ₹7 crore.
Acting on credible confidential information received by N. Ravindran, Inspector of Police, Idol Wing-CID, Villupuram Range, a special police team conducted a surveillance operation near the Sethiathope Crossroad Flyover on National Highway in Cuddalore District. On Thursday at about 2 p.m., the team intercepted and surrounded five persons moving in the area carrying plastic gunny bags. Upon questioning and verification, the police recovered three antique metal idols from their possession and arrested all five accused in connection with the attempted illegal transportation and smuggling of the idols.
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