250 antiquities recovered worth an estimated $15 million.
Last week, a ceremony was held at the Indian Consulate in New York City to celebrate the return of 250 antiquities looted from temples, homes, and archaeological sites throughout India. An investigation led by the Manhattan district attorney’s office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement found thousands of looted artifacts from across the globe by art dealers and gallery collectors. The suspected perpetrator, Subhash Kapoor, is facing charges in India and has a U.S. extradition request pending.
The case “serves as a potent reminder that individuals who maraud sacred temples in pursuit of individual profit are committing crimes not only against a country’s heritage but also its present and future,” Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr. stated.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For U.S. Immigration and Customs officials as they return these stolen antiquities to their rightful owners.
- For the federal government as efforts are made to preserve history through art.
Sources: AP, NPR
