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Two antique idols of XII century seized in Chennai

     Chennai: Vigilant detectives of the Economic Offences Wing of the Tamil Nadu Police intercepted two persons and seized two antique idols believed to be dating back to the XII century. This was disclosed by G Thialkavathi, Additional Director General of Police, Economic Offences Wing at Chennai on Friday. Speaking of the arrest and seizure, he said that two persons were frisked on suspicion and the rare idols were found in their possession during a routine check at the Koyambedu Central Bus Terminus in Chennai on Thursday night. The accused have been identified as R Sonaimuthu and Chokalingam hailing from Athanakottai in Pudukkottai district. The idols worth rupees 10 million in Indian market alone and ten times more in the international market are of Lord Balasubramanya and Goddess Sivagami Ammal. This year alone, at least 20 Panchaloha (compound of five metals) antique idols were seized by the vigilance cell of the police which has spread its net to nab smugglers of antique items and also thefts of idols from temples.
-August 1, 2009

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