Bengaluru: Delhi-based exporter, who tried to smuggle to Japan’s rare antique stone statue, which was believed to be the god of Mahavishnu, through air cargo at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) was arrested on Wednesday after investigations throughout the year.
Customs Sleuth at the airport has explored idols on last year’s cargo wing.
The source with the Bengaluru Customs (Ciu) Intelligence Unit (CIU) said that the idol with both hands was damaged reaching the airport wing of Bengaluru Airport last October among the various other items scheduled to be sent to Japan.
After suspicion, the customs officer cut the consignment to find small gray stones hidden in it.
The investigator seized the idol, it was believed to be a few centuries, and looked for reports from the Indian Archaeological Survey (ASI).
According to customs sources, the agency committee was certified idol confiscated as antiques and dealing with antique idols was banned in India under antiques and treasure.
Ciu Sleuth traced the sender to Delhi and arrested him a few days ago in the capital.
Bengaluru disaster received a transit warrant for the suspect, whose identity had been detained because of the ongoing investigation, and he was taken to Bengaluru.
On Wednesday, a judge released him in Judicial custody and sent him to the central prison, Agrahara Parapula.