Ashoka University Professor Arrested for Stealing 'Dancing Girl' Replica from Delhi's National Museum
- Inarch Center
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
New Delhi — A university professor from Haryana was apprehended and booked for allegedly stealing a replica of the iconic Mohenjodaro 'Dancing Girl' statue from the National Museum in Delhi. The incident, which took place on a Saturday, resulted in the immediate recovery of the stolen figurine.
The professor, identified as a 45-year-old faculty member from Ashoka University in Sonipat, Haryana, was caught "red-handed" by security personnel.
Details of the Incident and Recovery
The theft occurred in the Anubhav Vithika (Gallery) of the museum. The missing piece was initially detected by a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) sub-inspector, who then alerted Nikhil Kumar, a clerk at the museum.
Security officials reviewed CCTV footage, which clearly showed the professor taking the statue. CISF officials managed to identify and nab the individual while he was still on the museum premises. He was then handed over to the local police.
Upon inspection, the recovered replica—which was a metal object and notably not for sale—was found along with some statues made of rocks that the professor had purchased from the museum. The professor had been visiting the museum with a group of students, marking his second visit. Police registered a case under sections 305(e) (theft in a dwelling house or means of transportation or place of worship) and 317(2) (receiving stolen property) at the Kartavya Path Police station, although the actual reason for the professor stealing the statue has yet to be determined.
In response to the news, Ashoka University released a statement acknowledging the incident and confirming that the university would conduct an inquiry to examine the matter.
Context of the Artifact
The original 'Dancing Girl' is a prehistoric bronze sculpture from the Harappan Civilization. Cast using the lost-wax technique, it dates back approximately 4,500 years (c. 2700–2100 B.C.E. or c. 2300–1750 BC).
The original figurine, excavated in 1926, is renowned for its artistry and stands just 10.5 cm (about 4.1 inches) tall. It depicts a nude young woman wearing a necklace with three large pendant beads, heavy armlets on her left hand, and bangles ringing her forearm. The statue is housed in the National Museum.
The location from which the replica was stolen, the Anubhav Vithika, is a special tactile gallery intended to expand access for all visitors, especially those with disabilities. This gallery displays 22 carefully chosen tactile replicas of museum objects.
The prehistoric "Dancing Girl" sculpture is currently housed in the National Museum, New Delhi, primarily as a result of which historical event?
A long-term cultural loan agreement with Pakistan
The Partition of India in 1947
Its excavation by British archaeologist Ernest Mackay
Its discovery within the modern-day borders of India
Sources
डेस्कए. (2025, September 23). दिल्ली में नेशनल म्यूजियम से चोरी हुई “डांसिंग गर्ल”, जानें कॉलेज के प्रोफेसर ने क्यों चुराई रेप्लिका ? Navbharat Times. https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/metro/delhi/other-news/dancing-girl-replica-stolen-from-national-museum-professor-arrested/articleshow/124059776.cms
Anubhav. (2025, September 23). दिल्ली के नेशनल म्यूजियम से “डांसिंग गर्ल” चोरी, प्रोफेसर ही उठा ले गया था मूर्ति. हिंदुस्तान. https://www.livehindustan.com/ncr/professor-nabbed-for-stealing-dancing-girl-replica-from-national-museum-201758608650660.html
Express News Service. (2025, September 23). Mohenjodaro ‘Dancing Girl’ replica stolen from National Museum, professor booked. The Indian Express. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/mohenjodaro-dancing-girl-replica-stolen-national-museum-university-professor-10266031/
Wikipedia contributors. (2025, June 2). Dancing Girl (prehistoric sculpture). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_Girl_(prehistoric_sculpture)
“Dancing Girl” statue stolen from museum; professor caught red-handed. (2025, September 23). NewsBytes. https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/dancing-girl-statue-stolen-from-museum-professor-caught-red-handed/tldr
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