Manipal: Three ivory idols of Goddesses Saraswathi, Lakshmi and Lord Brahma worth several lakhs of rupees were seized by the Mobile Forest Squad officials in a raid on a students hostel at Ananthanagar, Manipal. One person named Ravindra Bhat (60) of Hosangady, Manjeshwar has been arrested in this connection while he was planning to sell off the idols.
As per information available, the idols were brought to Manipal to sell them to some affluent family as per its request. It is said one Jagadish Pai too was wanted in this case and there is no confirmation as to yet regarding his arrest.
Jinendra Kanagavi, SP of Madikeri Mobile Forest Squad led the raiding team.