Chennai– In a swift and coordinated operation, Tamil Nadu’s Idol Wing-CID has successfully stopped the auction of a centuries-old idol of Kannappa Nayanar that was stolen from the state 15 years ago and had resurfaced at an art exhibition in the Netherlands.
The bronze idol, which originally belonged to the Arulmigu Agneeswaraswamy Temple in Thirupugalur, Nagapattinam district, was reported missing in August 2010. The theft was formally registered at the Thittachery police station, but despite years of investigation, the idol’s whereabouts remained unknown—until now.
The breakthrough came when officials from the Idol Wing-CID received intelligence that the stolen artifact had been listed for auction at the European Fine Art Exhibition 2025 in Maastricht. The news triggered immediate action.
Working quickly, the Idol Wing contacted Dutch law enforcement and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), requesting urgent intervention. Thanks to their efforts, the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local authorities seized the idol on March 23, preventing its sale and securing it for repatriation.
“The timely intervention by the Idol Wing-CID played a crucial role in stopping the auction and securing the Kannappa Nayanar idol. Legal procedures have now been set in motion to bring the idol back to India,” the Tamil Nadu Police said in an official statement.
Tamil Nadu’s Director General of Police, Shankar Jiwal, commended the successful operation and offered special praise to the team led by Additional Director General of Police D. Kalpana Nayak for their unwavering commitment to protecting the state’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
The Idol Wing-CID has earned national and international recognition for its persistent efforts to recover stolen artifacts and return them to their original temples and communities. This latest mission highlights the agency’s growing global reach and dedication to preserving Tamil Nadu’s ancient legacy. (Source: IANS)
