Thriving trade in stolen Indian artefacts: DRI Report

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Thriving trade in stolen Indian artefacts: DRI Report
India's rich cultural heritage is under threat from the international smuggling syndicates which are stealing antiquities and artefacts from various archaeological sites and old temples in the country, according to a report from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) which has compiled a list of artefacts seized.

Some of the stolen artefacts which are seized by the agency in the last few years include terracotta figurines from the 1st century AD, bronze figurines of 'MahishasurMardini' and 'Ganesh,' all dating from 17th and 18th century, sculptures of 'Varada Ganesh,' 'Padmapani,' 'Awalokateshwara,' 'Vishnu and Naga and Nagini,' all belonging to 10th-11th century AD.

The DRI, which celebrated its 60th foundation day on Monday, presented a detailed paper on the recent achievements of the frontline agency combating cross-border smuggling and white collar crimes through under and over-invoicing of imports and exports.

"India's rich cultural heritage has high demand in western countries, Hong Kong and UAE. To cater to this market various smuggling syndicates, vandalise archaeological sites and old temples in India to steal the antiquities and objects of art," the paper said.

These stolen artefacts are then sold in Indian and international markets to earn huge profits, it said. Recently the agency recovered 12 pieces of "Shahajahani wood pillars with carvings of floral design".

Smuggling of psychotropic substances has also significantly increased in recent years, which the agency says is a matter concern as a lot of country's youth are affected by the menace of narcotic drugs. Interestingly, the seizures of ganja and hashish have gone up significantly—from six tons in 2016 to more than 16 tons in 2017.

"This indicates large scale use of these drugs on the Indian street," the agency noted. The DRI and other Customs formations arrested 176 persons during the past year in various operations to counter drugs smuggling.

The smuggling syndicates are also plundering India's wildlife and scarce environmental resources. The agency has made several interceptions and prevented illicit trade in wildlife products and red sanders. A seizure was made of skin and skeletal remains of a full-grown Bengal tiger which is in great demand in grey markets of China and Hong Kong.

In view of India becoming a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2016, the agency is also working in close coordination with the foreign ministry in strengthening India's export control regime through intelligence sharing, investigations, risk management and capacity building, it added.
Thriving trade in stolen Indian artefacts: DRI Report - Times of India