U.S. returns 657 stolen artefacts to India in $14 million restitution

The red sandstone figure of Buddha standing with his right hand raised in ‘abhaya mudra’, a gesture of protection. . The $7.5 million statue was smuggled into New York. | S. authorities have announced the return of 657 antiquities, collectively valued at nearly $14 million, to India. The pieces were recovered pursuant to several ongoing investigations into criminal trafficking networks, including those of alleged antiquities trafficker Subash Kapoor and convicted trafficker Nancy Wiener.The artefacts were returned at a ceremony attended by Consul General of India Rajlakshmi Kadam in New York. Published - April 29, 2026 02:35 pm IST