Police reported on April 24, 2024, that three metal idols, believed to be around 400 years old, were discovered during excavation for a house construction project in Baghanki village near Manesar. The ancient idols have been confiscated, and the property owner has been instructed to halt construction activities.  

Authorities stated that the Archaeology Department will conduct further excavation to determine if additional artifacts are present at the site. Initially, the landowner attempted to conceal the finding and even attempted to bribe the JCB machine operator to keep quiet about it. 

After two days, the driver eventually notified the Bilaspur police, who promptly responded by sending a team to the location. The recovered idols from the property owner's residence consist of a standing statue of Bhagwan Vishnu, a depiction of Maa Lakshmi, and a combined representation of Maa Lakshmi and Bhagwan Vishnu. 

The Bilaspur police have transferred custody of the idols to the Deputy Director of the Archaeology Department, Banani Bhattacharya, and Dr. Kush Dhebar. Despite the villagers' request to hand over the idols to the panchayat for the construction of a temple on the site, the Archaeology Department officials declined their demand. 

"The ownership of these idols belongs to the government, and no individual can claim personal rights over them. Following examination in our laboratory, these artifacts will be preserved in the Archaeology Department's museum. Based on initial assessments, these idols appear to be approximately 400 years old. Further excavation will also be conducted on the plot," stated the deputy director of the Archaeology Department. 

Image source: Times of India