Kathmandu, January 23
A Lichhavi-era statue inside the Balkumari temple at Sunakothi of Lalitpur metropolitan city-27, Lalitpur, has been stolen.
The statue dating back to the Lichhavi period (c 450–750 CE) was found missing this morning.
The constituency’s House of Representatives member Pampha Bhusal, Province Assembly member Rajkaji Maharjan, Lalitpur Chief District Officer Ghanashyam Upadhyay and a police team has inspected the site immediately after getting information about the theft from the locals.
CDO Upadhyay says it is presumed the statue might have been stolen between 3 and 4 am today. According to him, the statue has been lifted by cutting nine padlocks and breaking four gates.
Bhusal, also the energy minister, has instructed the administration to promptly look for the stolen statue and take action against the culprits, saying the case of the Lichhavi-era statue being stolen is very regrettable.
“I condemn this despicable act and I have instructed the administration to find out the culprits and search for the statue. I believe this historical and archaeological statue will be found soon,” she says.
Police say they have prepared the report on the situation of the incident site and have intensified the search.
