Baramulla Police Hands Over Stone Sculpture Recovered from Jhelum to Archaeology Department

Srinagar: Baramulla Police on Friday facilitated the safe handover of a stone sculpture recovered from the River Jhelum to the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Jammu and Kashmir, for preservation and conservation.

A police spokesperson said in a statement that a fisherman, identified as Nazir Ahmad Latoo, son of Ghulam Mohammad Latoo and a resident of Shaltang Zogyar, reported to Police Station Sheeri on December 25 that he had recovered a stone sculpture while fishing in the river. “The information was immediately taken on record and the artefact was placed in safe custody at the police station.”

Following due procedure and directions from the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, the sculpture, as per the statement, was examined and identified as a depiction of Hindu deity Durga. On December 26, Baramulla Police formally handed over the artefact to officials of the Archaeology Wing, Srinagar, through a proper handover and takeover process.

“The timely reporting by the fisherman and prompt action by the local police ensured the protection of an object of archaeological significance,” further reads the statement.