Artefact seized at B’luru airport turns out to be stolen Nepalese antiquity

Bengaluru: The interception of a consignment declared as a ‘grey stone stele of Padmapani' by the Air Cargo Commissionerate at Bengaluru airport five months ago has now taken a dramatic turn, with investigations revealing that the idol is in fact a ninth-century antiquity stolen from Nepal.The case began last Nov when a 32-year-old traveller arriving from the UK was questioned by airport authorities after bringing in the consignment, which had been imported from Vienna, Austria. The traveller claimed it was purchased at an auction, but officials grew suspicious about its origin. During inspection, air cargo officials noted the sculpture's intricate craftsmanship and suspected it was of historical significance rather than a mere decorative item. The artefact was sent to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which confirmed it as a ninth-century sculpture, consistent with early medieval Himalayan iconography and material traits. Further verification linked the object to archival records of a stolen Padmapani stele from Nepal, also corroborated by Nepalese media reports documenting the theft. "Indian authorities subsequently coordinated with the Ministry of External Affairs, which engaged the Nepal govt. Nepal confirmed the piece as a stolen cultural artefact," senior air cargo officials said.The consignment remains under Customs custody for further legal proceedings.