America returned 307 antiquities to India, smuggled after theft

Antiquities Returns: The heritage stolen from India years ago has now returned to the country. She had reached America through smuggling. After 15 years of investigation, the US has finally returned 307 antiques to India. These faces were stolen from India and sent to America through smuggling. The total cost of these items is about 40 million dollars. The Manhattan District Attorney's office has seized 235 valuables out of a total of 307 from art dealer Subhash Kapoor.

America reached through smuggling from these countries

These confiscated antiquities were smuggled to the US from India as well as from Afghanistan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and other countries. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office issued a statement saying that the seizure of all these items was done during a ceremony at the Indian Consulate in New York. During this, Consul General of India Randhir Jaiswal and Acting Deputy Special Agent-in-Charge of the US Homeland Security Investigation Christopher Lau were present.

Includes 11th-century sculptures

Among the items being returned is the 12-13th-century Arch Parikara, which is made of marble. Its cost is about 85,000 dollars. It was seized from art dealer Kapoor. Some of these items have been confiscated from dealer Nancy Wiener. Among them, there are also idols of Vishnu, Lakshmi, and Garuda from about the 11th century.

The DA's office had issued an arrest warrant for Kapoor in 2012 and in November 2019, Kapoor and seven of his other associates were charged with conspiracy to smuggle stolen antiquities.

Also Read: 26/11 Attack: No Excuse Can Justify Terrorism, UN Secretary-General Pays Tribute to Mumbai Attack Victims