New York: Four days before two ancient Jain and Hindu statues estimated to be worth $450,000 were to be auctioned off, US officials swooped on the international art auction house Christie's here and seized them, according to the Homeland Security Department.

A stolen buff sandstone panel depicting Revanta and his entourage, was seized by US officials from the auction house Christie's on Friday, March 11, in New York. It is from the 8th Century A.D., approximately 76 cm by 135 cm, depicting a very rare representation of the equestrian deity, Revanta, a son of Surya, and valued at approximately $300,000. (Credit US Customs/IANS)