Chola-Era Vishnu Idol Seized by Tamil Nadu Police

The Tamil Nadu Police's Idol Wing CID seized a 15th-century Vishnu idol worth Rs 2 crore and arrested seven individuals attempting to sell it. Acting on a tip-off, the police intercepted vehicles on the Thanjavur-Tiruchirappalli national highway, recovering the 2.5-foot-tall idol. The accused, including A. Dhinesh, revealed that the idol was found by Dhinesh's father 12 years ago and hidden in a cattle shed until his death. Preliminary investigations suspect the idol, possibly from the Chola period, may have been stolen from a temple. The arrested individuals have been remanded to custody, and further investigations are ongoing.