Seven individuals have been apprehended in Uttar Pradesh for their alleged involvement in attempting to smuggle a counterfeit Buddha idol into Nepal, purportedly to be sold as an ancient artifact.
The arrests were executed in the Rupaideha area, situated along the India-Nepal border, following intelligence received by law enforcement authorities.
Acting on a tip-off, a police contingent established a surveillance point near the Badaldas temple and successfully detained the seven accused individuals. The operation resulted in the seizure of a Buddha idol, measuring approximately eight inches in height and weighing 4.960 kilograms. Authorities also confiscated three motorcycles, cash, and seven mobile phones from the possession of the arrested suspects.
The individuals identified as Ramzan Ali, also known as Kale Khan, Noor Mohammad, Azad Ali, Rizwan, Mahfooz, Shakir Ali, and Sameer, also referred to as Noor, are all reported residents of the border region within Bahraich district. Preliminary investigations indicate that the group intended to defraud potential buyers in Nepal by misrepresenting the idol as a rare artifact composed of ‘ashtadhatu’—an alloy of eight precious metals—and allegedly valued at crores of rupees.
The accused have been formally charged with offenses including cheating and forgery. They have subsequently been remanded to judicial custody. Law enforcement agencies are also conducting further inquiries to ascertain whether the group had any connections extending across the border. Notably, Ramzan Ali and Noor Mohammad have prior criminal cases registered against them at the Rupaidiha police station.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
