[MSN] Ancient Ganesha idol stolen in Himachal

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

Ancient Ganesha idol stolen in Himachal
Shimla | February 14, 2006 2:15:06 PM IST
 
A desperate hunt has been launched for thieves who stole a 1,100-year-old
idol of Hindu god Ganesha from a temple in Himachal Pradesh. The almost
two-feet high, eight-armed 22-kg idol in stone was placed in the courtyard
of the Hatkoti temple, some 100 km from here.

It was stolen from there in the wee hours of Monday.

"The thieves moved in stealthily by climbing into the temple courtyard with
the help of a bamboo ladder and carried away the idol," said Prem Thakur, a
senior police official at the site.

"We were told of the missing idol by the temple priest and since then have
launched a manhunt with help of a dog squad. We're checking every vehicle
leaving and entering Rohru valley," said Thakur.

The thieves managed to steal the idol in spite of the presence of a guard at
night.

"The professional manner in which the theft was carried out indicates it
could be the handiwork of an international gang of idol smugglers," said
another police official here.

The state language, art and culture department has described the idol as an
important heritage piece built in the 10th century.

"It isn't possible to ascertain the value of the Ganesha idol. It has caused
great loss to the temple, besides hurting the religious feelings of the hill
folk in the region," said Hari Chand Sharma, the chief priest of the temple.

Located by the winding crystal clear Pabbar river, the scenic Hatkoti temple
dedicated to goddess Durga is an important and ancient religious spot in the
mid hills of Himachal Pradesh.

Temples in the state have in the past few years become a soft target for
smugglers. Since 1990, around 20 idols have been stolen from various places
in the state.

The most notable was the theft of a Buddha idol from the tribal Kinnaur
region in 1994, valued at Rs.50 million. It was later found in New Delhi
after the Indian government sought the help of the Interpol.

Often every large village has a temple and idols in the mid and higher hills
of the state. This makes them vulnerable to thefts, as tourism spreads to
lesser known places.

The state government has registered 200 Hindu and Buddhist temples, besides
300 idols also. But this is thought to be only a fraction of the state's
temples heritage, which often remains unguarded.

http://news.webindia123.com/