Over 100 antiquities stolen from monuments since 2000

Over 100 antiquities have been stolen from centrally protected monuments since 2000, Rajya Sabha was informed today.
However, the Central Bureau of Investigation has registered one case in connection with Indian antiquities stolen and sold in foreign countries in the last six years, Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma said in a written reply.
Further, he said as per information received from Tamil Nadu Police, 48 objects have been stolen from various temples in the state which are not in protection of Archaeological Survey of India.
As per the records available, seven number of antiquities surfaced in foreign countries, he added.
Responding to another query, Sharma said as per information received from Consulate General of India, New York, there are 712 art objects seized by US Immigration and Customs Information including objects of Indian origin.

Consulate General of India, New York has already taken up the matter with US Immigration and Customs Information.
Meanwhile, the minister said Economic Offences Unit-VI of Central Bureau of Investigation deals with offences related to antiquity, adding that the Tamil Nadu government has also set up Idol Wing -CID for the purpose.
Ministry of Culture has also set up National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities, for documentation of built heritage and antiquities, he said, adding that till date, 15 lakhs artifacts/antiquities have been documented.