(a)
the details of cases of theft reported from the centrally protected monuments and museums, temples during the last year and the current year, so far;
(b)
whether some of the stolen items are known to have been smuggled abroad;
(c)
if so, the details thereof;
(d)
the efforts being made to bring back such items of archaeological importance; and
(e)
the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to prevent theft of such items and their smuggling abroad?
THE MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE (SMT. AMBIKA SONI)
(a) to (e) A statement is laid on the table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) TO (e) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 228 FOR 07. 12. 2006 REGARDING THEFTS FROM PROTECTED MONUMENTS
(a)
During the years 2005 and 2006, five theft cases have been reported as detailed in the Annexure.
(b) to (d) There is no information that some of these items were smuggled abroad.
In all cases of theft of antiquities, FIRs have been registered with police and investigation taken up. Besides CBI, DRI, Customs and Interpol have been informed and look out notices have been issued.
(e) For protection of the monuments, sites of national importance and archaeological museums, watch and ward staff have been deployed. Their strength has been supplemented by private security guards, State Police and CISF. For better security of museums, electronic gadgets like burglar alarms, CCTVs etc. are proposed to be installed. The Antiquity and Art Treasures Act, 1972 is being amended for effective implementation and providing stringent punishment to offences involving violation of the provisions of the Act.