Lagatar24 Desk
New York: In a significant boost to India’s cultural heritage, the United States has returned 657 rare and ancient artefacts valued at around $14 million, recovered from international smuggling networks and handed over during a ceremony in New York.
Artefacts Linked to Smuggling Network Recovered
The artefacts were seized during investigations into trafficking networks associated with Subhash Kapoor and Nancy Wiener. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office led the recovery and repatriation process, marking a major success against global antiquities smuggling.
Rare Sculptures Among Key Returns
Among the returned items is a prized bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, valued at $2 million, originally crafted in Chhattisgarh’s Sirpur and smuggled out of India in 1982. Another significant piece is a red sandstone Buddha statue worth $7.5 million, depicting the Abhaya Mudra. A sandstone idol of Lord Ganesha in a dancing pose, stolen from a Madhya Pradesh temple in 2000, has also been returned.
Global Effort to Protect Cultural Heritage
Officials stated that the return of these artefacts represents a major victory in preserving cultural history and combating illegal trafficking. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to continue identifying and restoring stolen heritage items to their rightful countries.
