New York's Custom Officials have recovered an ancient Indian idol, made of bronze, that's been stolen from a temple in India.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement in New York said an anonymous collector of Asian antiquities has voluntarily surrendered the 11th or 12th Century idol. The recovery of the idol is part of three-year investigation 'Operation Hidden Idol' into former New York-based art dealer Subhash Kapoor who is in India's custody awaiting trail for looting antiquities from various countries worth several millions of USD. The Collector who surrendered it to Customs Officials is a victim as he purchased the idol in 2006 and was given false provenance papers.

Customs Officials estimate the 2 1/2-foot bronze idol of Saint Manikkavichavakar stolen from the Sivan Temple in Sripuranthan village of Tamil Nadu is worth nothing short of $1 Million as per the market value. They will be surrendering the religious statue to India soon.