Prakasam police have sought the help of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to ascertain the antiquity of an idol seized from a person in Yerragondapalem in Prakasam district.
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Additional Superintendent of Police(crime) S.V. Sreedhar Rao said here on Tuesday that preliminary investigation revealed that the idol of Lord Ganesha was a quartz one worth over ₹10 lakh, and not emerald as speculated in a section of the media.
“Prima facie it appears that the idol has no antique value. To be doubly sure, we have sent the idol to the ASI for a detailed examination,” he said.
A case is registered and the person possessing the five-faced idol has been asked to show relevant documents to show that it belonged to him.
A detailed probe was on to ascertain whether the idol had been lifted from a temple or excavated or bought from a jewellery shop, the police officer said, adding further action would be taken after getting a report from the ASI.