Authorities Return 248 Looted Antiquities to India


The Kapoor case was one of the largest prosecutions for illegal antiquities in the United States, leading to eight defendants and five convictions for stolen property, fraud and other charges between 2013 and this year.

His lawyer in New York, Georges G. Lederman, clarified the length of time Mr Kapoor was already in prison, saying that criminal defendants in India could be detained before trial for up to half the potential maximum sentence if convicted. Held at Trichi Central Prison in Tiruchirapalli, 200 miles south of Chennai, Mr. Kapoor was put on trial earlier this year. Mr Lederman said the prosecution is being heard and will begin presenting its case in the coming weeks.

Among those convicted in the United States in connection with the case here are Kapoor’s sister, Sushma Sareen, and her ex-girlfriend, Selina. Mohamed and two art restorers, Neil Perry Smith and Richard Salmon of Brooklyn, both extradited from London, who were both accused of hiding the items during the investigation, were charged with cleaning and repairing stolen statues and statues to remove signs. Looting them to look like they’ve been in legitimate collectibles for decades.

Among the items returned Thursday are a 12th-century bronze statue of the Hindu god Shiva, valued at $4 million, in a divine dance pose; a bronze figure of Shiva Bhikshatana dating to the 16th century and worth $437,500; and a 17th century copper alloy figure of Adikara Nandi, 20 inches high and valued at US$30,000 to $50,000.

“These ceremonies are always very touching and you can really feel the extreme joy and gratitude, whether it’s $4 million or $4,” said Mr. Labbat. “That’s the best part of what we do.”



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