Udupi: The Udupi DCIB police have arrested two persons and have seized ancient Panchaloha idols which they were transporting in a Maruti Esteem Car from Kundapur to Udupi.

Those arrested are Chandra Naika (26) of Mudoor Jadkal in Kundapur and Udaya Achar (32), resident of Hanglur The idols were stolen from the ancient Chandranatha Basadi near Byakod in Shimoga district with the help of one Santosh Mogaveera of Gangolli. Al the three were working in a hollow block factory in Sigandur in Shimoga district.

The accused had reportedly planned to sell them in Kerala. The idols are said to be nearly seven centuries old. The officials of archeology department will be estimating the actual value of the idols seized.