Police brought the fact to light after investigation, as it was confirmed that the archeological idol stolen on March 15 from Ramjanaki Temple of Bahadurgunj of Kapilbastu was stolen by Indian nationals.[break]
Indian citizen Lalu Rajbhar revealed the fact when arrested along with a motorcycle with UP registration no. 42 P 0096 from near the Shivam Guest House in Dumariyagunj.
Rajbhar said he took the idols in two bags. His accomplices were Ramashish Kewat, Afasu Kewat and Mahendra Kewat. They took the idols to India at mid-night.
They were arrested with the help of Indian police from Dumariyagunj of Siddharthanagar district of Uttar Pradesh, India, along with 5 Asta Dhatu idols, said SP Sharad Chand.
However, the Indian administration has also claimed the idols to be of India.
The idols found were of Ram-Janaki, Laxman and other two small idols; he said. Indian police has not allowed to bring the idols to Nepal unless their case in Indian court is finalized.
Ilaka Police Office Krishnanagar also said the five idols were of Nepal, but India has hesitated to return them.
Related story
Numerous stolen artifacts await return to Nepal as repatriation...
