Overview
- A fisherman identified as Nazir Ahmad Latoo reported the stone sculpture to Police Station Sheeri on December 25 after finding it in the Jhelum in Baramulla.
- Police secured the artifact in custody and on December 26 formally transferred it to the Archaeology Wing in Srinagar under directions from the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology & Museums.
- Officials have identified the piece as an image of Goddess Durga, with its age and stylistic origins to be determined by expert examination.
- Baramulla Police emphasized safeguarding cultural heritage and urged residents to promptly inform authorities about similar discoveries.
- The recovery follows recent finds from Jhelum riverbeds, including a well-preserved Shivling recovered near Khanpora in August and now under care at the SPS Museum in Srinagar.