Jaipur (Rajasthan), November 10, 2012: Sixteen ancient idols worth crores of rupees in the international market were recovered three days after they were stolen from a famous Jain temple at Jatwara village near Bassi. The police arrested a local resident who had allegedly helped a gang involved in idol thefts in conducting recee of the temple.
Around 26 idols had been stolen on November 5. Police claimed they have identified the gang involved in theft and a team has been rushed to an undisclosed location to nab them. The 16 idols were found buried in the ground near the village.
According to additional commissioner of police Giriraj Meena, the police arrested one Ramlal Luhar on the basis of some clues regarding his involvement including his mobile call details. Luhar is a resident of Nayabas near Jatwara village.
It must be mentioned, robbers on Tuesday had decamped with 26 antique idols from the temple. As many as 23 idols made of eight metals and three stone idols worth nearly Rs 10 crore had been stolen.
Addl CP Meena said that Luhar was aware of the worth of idols and intimated the gang about them. “He helped them do a recee of the temple and even hid the idols after they were stolen. He was a local contact for the gang,” said the officer.
Luhar told the police where the idols had been hidden. “The idols which were recovered are from 11th, 12th and 14th century and quite priceless in the international market,” said the officer.
He added that others involved in the theft have been identified. “They will be arrested soon. Who were to buy the idols and other details will be known after the thieves are arrested,” said the officer. – News Courtesy: Times of India