Smuggled Astadhatu Idol From Jajpur Recovered At Delhi Airport

Bhubaneswar: A precious Astadhatu idol of Hindu deity, which was allegedly stolen from Jajpur last year was recovered while being smuggled from New Delhi airport recently.

The idol was made up of Astadhatu ( 8 precious metals).

The matter came to the fore after the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) informed the same Jajpur SP recently.

The ASI said that the thieves were planning to smuggle the ‘Astadhatu’ idol overseas in a cargo flight.

The recovered item was sent to the for examination following which it was ascertained to be of Maa Kotrakshi, the presiding deity of Darpangarh village in Jajpur district.

Reportedly, miscreants had stolen the idol of Maa Kotrakshi from the Darpangarh village late at night on January 11, 2021. Badchana police was investigating this case on the complaint of the villagers.