MUSTANG, April 14: Police have confiscated a large quantity of 'shaligram sheela', also called the ammonite stone, in Mustang.
The shaligram sheela is a fossilized stone or ammonite collected from the riverbed or banks of the Kali Gandaki, a tributary of the Gandaki River. The Hindus consider the Shaligram as a form of their God Vishnu. The Kali Gandaki river flows through sacred places such as Muktinath and Damodar Kunda, enhancing the spiritual significance of these 'shaligrams'. Collection of large amounts of Shaligrams is prohibited by law.
The Area Police Office, Chhusang Check Post at Baragung Muktichhetra-3 in Mustang has seized 894 kg 'shaligram sheela' packed in 34 white sacks. This was accomplished during checks carried out at different times, according to the District Police Office, Mustang.
Shaligram stone to be provided to Janaki Temple
Information Officer at the District Police Office, Mustang, Police Inspector Bishal Adhikari said that the Shaligram Sheela was confiscated from a Bolero jeep (registration plate Ga 3 Cha 8152) going towards Jomsom from Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality-3 in Mustang.
Kunsang Ranging Gurung, 41, of Surkhang of Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda-5 in Mustang district was carrying 'shaligram' to Jomsom illegally after loading it in the jeep, according to the Area Police Office of Chhusang.
According to the District Police Office the jeep, the driver and the owner of the 'shaligram' have been handed over to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Office, Jomsom.
Meanwhile, ACAP Jomsom has said it has already handed over the jeep, the driver and owner of Shaligram along with the confiscated Shaligram Shila to ACAP’s head office in Pokhara for investigation, said Office Chief Rajesh Gupta.