Bangalore police recover 400-year-old Quran

The Bangalore police have seized a copy of the holy Quran, dating back to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s period, from a person, who was planning to sell the priceless manuscript.

The calligraphed Quran, weighing about 13 kgs, is estimated to be more than 400 years old. The holy book, which bears rich embellishments, also carried a signature on the last page, which the authorities believe could belong to the devout Mughal emperor himself.

A team of experts from New Delhi is expected to arrive in Bangalore shortly and study the copy of the Quran to determine its history and antique value.

Police identified the person from whose possession the holy book was recovered as Sukumar, a native of Kerala. He was staying at a hotel in M G Road and was looking for prospective purchasers.

After receiving a tip-off, the Bangalore police raided the hotel room and seized the Quran. Sukumar, who had brought the holy Quran to Bangalore via Tamil Nadu, was planning to sell it for a couple of million rupees.

The police have also seized an antique painting of the erstwhile ruler of Thanjavur from Sukumar. The painting is estimated to cost Rs one million, police said. Sukumar has been arrested and the police are interrogating him to find out how he came into possession of such priceless artifacts.