Noida Man Arrested for Stealing 50-Million-Year-Old Fossil from Trade Fair
In a peculiar case of theft, a 49-year-old man from Noida was arrested for allegedly stealing a fossil over 50 million years old from the India International Trade Fair (IITF) at Pragati Maidan in Delhi. The stolen item, a Gastropod fossil—preserved remains of an ancient snail or slug—was part of a Geological Survey of India (GSI) exhibit at the Ministry of Mines pavilion.
Theft Uncovered Through CCTV
The theft was reported on November 21 when GSI officials noticed the fossil was missing and alerted the police. Investigators used CCTV footage and other technical analysis to identify the suspect, Manoj Kumar Mishra, who was later apprehended from his home in Noida’s Sector 22.
Fossil Recovered, Motive Revealed
During questioning, Mr. Mishra admitted to stealing the fossil, which was recovered from his possession. According to officials, he had visited the trade fair multiple times and displayed a particular interest in arts and crafts. His motive, as per the police, was to sell the rare artefact in the international market.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
The accused, who works at a mall in Noida, has been charged under Section 303(2) (theft) of the BNS. Further investigations are ongoing to determine if he has any connections to smuggling networks or past incidents of artefact theft.
This incident highlights the need for stricter security measures to protect valuable exhibits at public events like the IITF, where rare and historical items are showcased.
News Source : “Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.”
