An ancient Vishnu idol made of black stone was recovered during a Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) operation in Birganj upazila of Dinajpur on the night of May 11. Two individuals, Abdur Rouf, 62, and Osman Gani, 54, were arrested from the Gobindapur Natun Bazar area of Shibrampur Union. The idol, measuring about 16.5 inches in length and 7.5 inches in width, was found inside a bag during a search of Abdur Rouf’s fertilizer and pesticide shop. Two mobile phones were also seized from the scene.

According to RAB’s preliminary interrogation, the detainees admitted to collecting the idol with the intention of smuggling it to a neighboring country. Birganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Islam confirmed that a case has been filed under the Antiquities Preservation Act. The arrested individuals were sent to court on May 12.

The recovery highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to prevent the illegal trade of cultural and historical artifacts in the region.