Ancient Ugratara idol recovered, 4 held

A centuries-old 'ashtadhatu' idol of Goddess Tara has been recovered from Nalbari district in Assam, police said Wednesday, more than five months after it was stolen from the famous Ugratara Temple in Guwahati.

Four persons have been arrested in connection with the recovery, police said, adding other valuables were also recovered. Two more suspects are on the run.

The idol, stolen on November 15, dates back to 1044 AD and the temple is revered as one of the 51 'Shaktipeeths' in the country. The temple was built in 1725 AD during the rule of Ahom King Siva Singh.

About a week ago, police had received information about presence of some valuable articles in Nalbari district, the Superintendent of Police of Golaghat district, Pushparaj Singh, said at a press conference in Golaghat.

"An operation was launched on Tuesday and the idol was recovered. The authorities of the temple were informed. They came here this morning and confirmed that it is the same statue that was stolen," Singh ...