US returns 307 stolen antiquities to India

After the 15-years of investigation, the US authorities returned 307 antiquities that were stolen by multiple smaller trafficking networks to India, valued at nearly 4 million Dollars, according to a press statement.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L Bragg Jr has announced that they are returning 307 antiquities valued at nearly USD 4 million to the people of India and the majority of them were seized from disgraced art dealer Subhash Kapoor.

According to the statement, "Five of the antiquities were seized according to the Office's investigation into Nancy Wiener, and one according to an investigation into Nayef Homsi."

All the antiquities were returned during a repatriation ceremony at the Indian Consulate in New York attended by India's Consul General Randhir Jaiswal, and US Homeland Security Investigations ("HSI") Acting Deputy Special Agent-in-Charge, Tom Lau.

"We are proud to return hundreds of stunning pieces to the people of India," the press statement quoted District Attorney Bragg as saying.

"These antiquities were stolen by multiple complex and sophisticated trafficking rings - the leaders of which showed no regard for the cultural or historical significance of these objects. Tracking down these antiquities would not be possible without the collaboration of our law enforcement partners at HSI and the outstanding work of our world-class investigators," he added.

Among the pieces being returned is the Arch Parikara, crafted from marble and valued at approximately USD 85,000.

(ANI)