Ancient Jain idol stolen from Koraput village

Residents claim heritage plunderers are on prowl in the southern district

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Koraput/ Nandapur, April 20: When people across the globe were celebrating World Heritage Day Friday, residents of Kecha village under this block of the district found a coveted ancient Jain statue stolen from the village temple.

The incident not only sparked concern among the villagers and local authorities, it also made the worst fears of faith and safeguarding of ancient artifacts in the state by organised syndicates come true. If sources are to be believed, these prowling syndicates are making a killing from the process of the crime as these rare and ancient artifacts often find way to international auction houses.