Indiana museum surrenders statue looted from India

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) - An Indiana museum has surrendered a bronze statue after learning it was likely stolen from a temple in India.

The Star Press in Muncie reports (http://tspne.ws/1MTKPxh) the statue had been displayed for a decade at Ball State University's Owsley Museum of Art in Muncie.

It depicts the Hindu god Shiva's wedding to Parvati, the goddess of love.

The museum turned over the bronze to federal agents Monday. It will become evidence in an investigation dubbed Operation Hidden Idol, and likely will be returned to India.

The museum had purchased the statue from a New York City art dealer now accused of smuggling art. The dealer, Subhash Kapoor, is awaiting trial in India.

Museum director Robert La France says the idol was purchased with donations, not taxpayer money.