PREVENTION OF ILLICIT TRAFFICKING OF ANTIQUITIES

**Executive Summary** This document, posted on February 12, 2026, by PIB Delhi, reports on the Government's efforts to prevent illicit trafficking of antiquities from Monuments of National Importance. It details six recent theft cases, recovery efforts, and measures taken to protect cultural property. It also provides a list of stolen antiquities recovered in the last five years. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Theft Cases and Recovery:** * Six theft cases from Monuments of National Importance have been reported. * Recovery has been made in four cases. * FIR has been lodged in all cases. * None of the stolen items were reported to have moved abroad. * ASI has not done valuation of the stolen antiquities. * **Preventative Measures:** * The Government is taking steps to prevent illicit trafficking of cultural property. * Deployment of Private Security Guards and Central Industrial Security Force at monuments, sites, and museums. * Upon theft report, FIR is lodged and ‘Look Out Notice’ is issued to law enforcement agencies, including Custom Exit Channels. * Efforts are being made to raise awareness towards preserving cultural heritage. * **Annexure-I: Details of Stolen Antiquities (Last Five Years):** * **Andhra Pradesh:** Nandi sculpture stolen from Golingeswara group of Temples, Biccavolu, East Godavari (2021, Recovered). * **Uttarakhand:** Shiva Linga stolen from Bhairav Temple, Mrityunjay Temple Complex, Dwarahat, Almora (2021, Recovered). * **Jharkhand:** Two sculptures of Buddha stolen from Sitagarha Archaeological Excavation Site, Hazaribagh (2021, Recovered). * **Karnataka:** Stone idol of Ganpati stolen from Ganpati Amma Shrine of Lakshminarasimha Temple, Marehalli, Mandya (2022, Status not defined). * **Bihar:** Image of Vishnu stolen from Village Dattina, P.S Vikram, Patna (2022, Status not defined). * **Tamil Nadu:** Idol of Vishnu stolen from Parthasarathi and Krishna Temples, Parthivapuram, Vilavancode, Kanyakumari (2024, Recovered). **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder: Ministry of Culture** * **Impact:** Responsible for implementing and overseeing the prevention of illicit trafficking and preserving cultural heritage. * **Action Required:** Continue implementing security measures, monitor theft cases, and raise awareness regarding preservation. **Stakeholder: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)** * **Impact:** Responsible for the valuation of stolen antiquities * **Action Required:** Should value the stolen antiquities. **Stakeholder: Law Enforcement Agencies (including Custom Exit Channels)** * **Impact:** Tasked with tracing stolen antiquities and preventing their export. * **Action Required:** Vigilance based on FIR and ‘Look Out Notice’ issued by authorities. **Stakeholder: Monuments, Sites, and Museums** * **Impact:** Locations where security measures are implemented and are at risk of theft. * **Action Required:** Cooperate with security personnel, report thefts promptly, and follow established protocols.

Key Entities Referenced