Two-millennia-old stolen Mahavira idol recovered in Bihar

Patna, Dec 6 (IANS) An over two millennia old antique idol of Lord Mahavira, weighing some 250 kg, which was stolen 10 days ago from a Jain temple, has been recovered in Bihar’s Jamui district on Sunday, police said.

Jamui Superintendent of Police Jayant Kant told IANS over telephone that a police team recovered the priceless antique idol.

"This rare idol of Lord Mahavira was recovered from a field near Bichche village," he said.

He said a probe is on to nab those responsible for the theft. "We have some important clues in the case," he said.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar lauded the state police for their efforts.

Last week the state government recommended a CBI probe into the theft.

The Jain community and art lovers were shocked after the black stone idol was stolen from a temple in Jamui district on November 27.

A special team was set up for the recovery of the stolen idol worth crores of rupees in the international market.

Police in Jamui suspect that an organised gang of antique smugglers is responsible for the theft. Several places were raided but police failed to make any quick breakthrough and nab the smugglers.