South Sumatra police nabs Buddhist artifact thieves

The South Sumatra Crime Detective unit arrested on Sunday four individuals suspected of having stolen an ancient Buddhist artifact of the Sriwijaya Dynasty era that were displayed at the Balaputra Dewa Museum.

According to the South Sumatra Police Chief Sisno Adiwinoto, the four suspects are Rahmat, 17, Hendra, 30, Yogi, 39, and mastermind Udin, 43.

Kompas.com reported that Rahmat had sneaked into an unlocked collection room at the museum last Monday and stole a number of artifacts on a glass shelve.

The police said Rahmat was shot in the legs as he tried to avoid arrest.

"The artifact was found at Udin's house and has suffered minor damage," police officer Artsianto said. (amr)