CID on Idol-hunt
(from Asian Age)
Kolkata, April 10: The presiding idol stolen from the Madanmohon temple at Cooch Behar in February 1994 may finally be recovered. (Burglars broke open the rear ventilator of the temple to gain entry). A similar idol was seized by the CID near Raidighi area on Thursday and another team of sleuths will leave for Cooch Behar on Monday to probe the recovery.
Following the theft, infamous antique dealer Asim Bhattacharjee and subsequently, six others, including five Customs officials were arrested. However, the idol could never be traced.
CID officials, in the meanwhile, requested the SP, Cooch Behar to procure a picture of stolen Madanmohon idol from temple authorities. A scanned image was e-mailed to CID officials, which cross-checking revealed, bore stark semblance with the recovered 14 inch statue.
“A team has been sent to the temple to verify records from the priest and temple trustee members before arriving at any conclusion,” a CID official said.
(Following the theft 11 years ago, an irate mob gathered outside the temple to protest and the police resorted to firing to disperse the mob)