KATHMANDU: A police team deployed from Metropolitan Crime Division on Wednesday has arrested two persons in possession of a century-old statute with archaeological importance.

The team acted on a tip-off that 27-year-old Dolakh Bahadur Somai of Chahara Rural Municipality, Palpa was trading the ancient monument and detained him after the Bal Gopal figurine weighing 8.170 Kgs was found in his residence at Paris Danda, Kathmandu.

During the interrogation, Somai confessed that 37-year-old Dipak Mainali of Timal Rural Municipality, Kavre had given him the statue to sell. Mainali was also arrested following the interrogation.

The arrestees have been charged under Ancient Monument Preservation Act, 1956.