Archive · 30 Aug 2026
16th-Century Idol Valued at Rs 3 Crore Recovered in Mathura
Police in Mathura found an old idol during a roadside check.
They arrested a man named Ronit in connection with it.
The idol weighs about 20 kilograms.
Police say it may be made from a mixture of eight metals called ashtadhatu.
Experts think its design may show that it is from the 16th century.
One of its hands is missing.
Police estimate its value at about Rs 3 crore.
Ronit allegedly said his father brought it from West Bengal.
Police in Mathura arrested Ronit after allegedly recovering a 20-kilogram ancient idol from him.
The idol is believed to be made of ashtadhatu, an eight-metal alloy.
Experts estimated from its craftsmanship that the idol could date to the 16th century.
Police valued the recovered idol at approximately Rs 3 crore.
The accused allegedly said his father, a Roadways bus driver, brought it from West Bengal.
- Who
- Mathura police arrested Ronit, a resident of Raj Nagar Colony, and recovered the idol from him.
- What
- Police recovered a 20-kilogram idol believed to be a 16th-century ashtadhatu artifact, valued at about Rs 3 crore.
- When
- The idol was recovered during checking on Friday night; police provided the details on Sunday.
- Where
- The recovery took place in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, in the Highway police station area.
- Why
- Police intercepted Ronit after receiving a tip-off and suspecting him of smuggling the idol.
- Estimated value
- Approximately Rs 3 crore
- Estimated age
- Possibly from the 16th century
- Material
- Believed to be ashtadhatu, an eight-metal alloy
- Weight
- Around 20 kilograms
- Condition
- One hand of the idol is severed
- Arrested person
- Ronit, a resident of Raj Nagar Colony
- Alleged source
- The accused said his father brought it from West Bengal