Baghdogra (WB), Dec 22: Customs officials have seized four antique idols worth 10 million rupees in the international market from Siliguri in West Bengal.

The four idols carved out of black basalt date back to 12th century A.D.

Officials said that they intercepted a car from Bangladesh and the idols were
found concealed in their vehicle.

Unauthorised dealing in antiques is banned under the Antiquity and Art Treasure Act (AATA). Under the Act, no object more than 100 years old can be taken out of the country without permission.

But even then, India has become a hub of clandestine dealings in object d'art, with most of the smuggled goods finding their way to rich drawing rooms of the West. (ANI)