The Indian Consulate General in New York has received custody of 297 antiquities that are set to be transported to India. A sanction order for the transportation has been issued, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, informed the Lok Sabha.

The responsibility for protecting monuments, sites, and antiquities in India rests with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The ASI deploys regular watch and ward staff, along with private security personnel and the Central Industrial Security Force, based on specific requirements.

In cases of antiquity theft, a First Information Report (FIR) is lodged with the concerned police station. Additionally, a ‘Look Out Notice’ is issued to law enforcement agencies, including Customs Exit Channels, to monitor and prevent the illegal export of stolen antiquities.