US museum returns antique idol

Washington/Phnom Penh: The US on Monday returned an ancient decapitated statue of Hindu god Rama stolen from Cambodia during the South East Asian country’s civil war in the 70s.

Called the “Torso of Rama”, the 10th century sandstone statue sans its head, arms and feet was acquired by the Denver Art Museum 30 years ago from the Doris Weiner Gallery in New York City.

The museum said it only realised the Khmer-era statue was looted from the Koh Ker temple near the famous Angkor Wat complex in the 70s after recent discussions with Cambodia.