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INDIA, June 16, 2016 (The Hindu): In a state where the temples are seldom managed based on their heritage or historic value, the statues of several temples in far flung districts are bound to fall prey to the statue smugglers such as Deenadayalan and Subash Kapoor.
Thousands of ancient temples in the state are dependent on the finances of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR & CE) department that manage these temples. With several ancient temples in remote districts without security and in a dilapidated state, statues from these temples — that are valued in crores by antique dealers in foreign countries — become easy target for thieves.
The officials of the Idol Wing-CID attached to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) point out as per the records available there are 38,500 temples managed by the HR & CE, but only 26,000 statues have been registered by the Registration Officer of the State, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).