(a) whether large scale thefts of Indian antiques are taking place in ancient temples and far
flung villages of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise during the last three years and the current year;
and
(c) the action taken to trace and bring back the stolen antiques ?
MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE (SMT. AMBIKA SONI)
(a)&(b) Details of available data relating to theft in last three years are enclosed at Annexure I.
This is not indicative of any regular pattern.
(c) The Archaeological Survey of India is committed towards the preservation and safety of
antiquities at the protected monuments as well as the site museums.To ensure their safety, the
Archaeological Survey of India engages security guards whose strength has been augmented by
deploying private security guards, State police, home guards, and the CISF at selected monuments.
Constant interaction takes place between ASI, CBI and Customs authorities to share information on
the smuggling of art objects.Provisions exist under the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972
for regulation of export in antiquities and art treasures and for prevention of their illicit
trafficking. These provisions include registration of dealers,registration of specified categories
of antiquities, prosecution of offenders etc.The Government has launched a National Mission on
Monuments and Antiquities which will, among other things,document the country’s monuments and
antiquities.