Daijiworld Media Network - London (SHP)

London, Aug 16: In a joint investigation by American and British agencies, two Indian artefacts were returned back to the Indian high commissioner, Ruchi Ghanshyam. On Thursday August 15, occasion of Independence Day, two items; a limestone carved relief dating 1st century BC and 1st century AD and a 17th century bronze figure of Navneetha Krishna were recovered. The artefacts were smuggled by the most prolific art smugglers in the world, were recently charged in New York.

“The cultural significance of artefacts looted from regions around the world extends beyond a monetary value. These pieces are stolen fragments of history and it is an honour to return them to their rightful home country”, said Peter C Fitzhugh, special agent in charge of HSI, New York.

The handover event scheduled on Independence Day took place in the India House in London. Ruchi Ghanshyam thanked the US and UK agencies for returning the artefacts and hoped for the return of 2000 such items when proceedings against those conclude.

The event in India House was preceded by a significant event in Bedford, 100 km north of London, where Indian flag was hoisted in the Town Hall, home of the local council. The flag will continue to fly for 24 hours. The event was opened by mayor Dave Hodgson and attended by several people, including leaders from local gurdwaras and other community centres.