Increased Security Measures Following Thefts from National Monuments
In a concerning development, six thefts have been reported from Monuments of National Importance across India. Fortunately, recovery efforts have been successful in four of these cases. As confirmed by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, all reported incidents have led to the filing of FIRs. Notably, none of the stolen items have been reported leaving the country, and no evaluations by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have been conducted regarding the antiquities involved.
The government has implemented comprehensive strategies to combat illicit trafficking of cultural property. Alongside regular vigilante staff, private security guards and members of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) have been deployed at various monuments, sites, and museums to enhance security. In the event of an antiquity theft, FIRs are filed immediately, and a ‘Look Out Notice’ is sent to law enforcement agencies, including customs at exit points, to monitor and prevent the export of stolen items. These measures are part of ongoing efforts to raise public awareness about the importance of preserving India’s rich cultural heritage.
Details of Recent Theft Incidents
The summary of theft incidents over the last five years reveals the locations and objects stolen:
| S.No. | State | Name of Monuments/Sites | Name of Object Stolen | Year of Theft | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andhra Pradesh | Golingeswara group of Temples, Biccavolu, District East Godawari | Nandi sculpture | 2021 | Recovered |
| 2 | Uttarakhand | Bhairav Temple, Mrityunjay Temple Complex, Dwarahat, District Almora | Shiva Linga | 2021 | Recovered |
| 3 | Jharkhand | Sitagarha Archaeological Excavation Site, District Hazaribagh | Two sculptures of Buddha in bhumisparsha mudra | 2021 | Recovered |
| 4 | Karnataka | Ganpati Amma Shrine of Lakshminarasimha Temple, Marehalli, District Mandya | Stone idol of Ganpati | 2022 | – |
| 5 | Bihar | Village Dattina, P.S Vikram, District Patna | Image of Vishnu | 2022 | – |
| 6 | Tamil Nadu | Parthasarathi and Krishna Temples, Parthivapuram, Vilavancode, District Kanyakumari | Idol of Vishnu | 2024 | Recovered |
Continued vigilance and proactive measures are crucial for safeguarding India’s historical treasures, ensuring their preservation for generations to come.
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