BGB Recovers Three Touchstone Idols Worth Tk 89.1 Lakh in Joypurhat, Two Detained

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has recovered three touchstone idols, believed to be archaeological artifacts, in Panchbibi upazila of Joypurhat while they were allegedly being stockpiled for smuggling into India. Two individuals have been detained in connection with the incident.

According to the BGB, the recovered idols weigh a total of 89.1 kilograms and have an estimated value of Tk 89.1 lakh.

The detained individuals have been identified as Santosh Mahato, 35, son of the late Jaga Mahato of Purail village in Panchbibi upazila, and Sujan Chandra Roy, 34, son of the late Dhiren Chandra Roy of Purba Balighata village in the same upazila.

According to BGB sources, the Joypurhat Battalion (20 BGB) received information from local sources that several touchstone idols had been stockpiled by suspected smuggling networks in Panchbibi for transportation to India.

Acting on the information, a special patrol team from the battalion headquarters conducted two separate operations at around 1:00 am on Sunday. The operations were led by the commander of 20 BGB and carried out in the presence of police personnel and Panchbibi Upazila Nirbahi Officer Kashpia Tasrin.

During the first operation, the team recovered two touchstone idols weighing 42.7 kilograms and 37.6 kilograms, respectively. In a subsequent operation, another touchstone idol depicting Lord Vishnu, weighing 8.8 kilograms, was recovered.

The three idols have a combined weight of 89.1 kilograms. The BGB estimated their total value at Tk 89,10,000.