Customs officials in Amritsar seized an ancient stone sculpture depicting Buddha, believed to date back to the 2nd or 3rd century. The sculpture was discovered during the examination of the baggage of a foreign national who had entered India through the Integrated Check Post at the Attari-Wagah border with Pakistan.
Upon inspection, officers identified the stone sculpture as Buddha, as confirmed by the Commissioner of Customs in Amritsar. The case was then referred to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Chandigarh circle for further assessment.
“The ASI has provided a report confirming that the sculpture fragment resembles Buddha of the Gandhara School of Art and is tentatively dated to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, falling within the category of antiquity under the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972,” stated Rahul Nangare, Commissioner of Customs (Amritsar).
The stone sculpture has been seized under the Customs Act and the Art Treasure Act, 1972. Ongoing investigations are being conducted to delve further into the origins and circumstances surrounding the acquisition of this historical artifact.