LARKANA — Local authorities arrested a man late Tuesday night after catching him attempting to remove ancient artifacts from the protected Mohenjo-Daro archaeological site.
Security guards patrolling the perimeter of the 4,500-year-old Indus Valley civilization site spotted the suspect near the “SD Area” — a restricted zone where ongoing excavations are particularly sensitive. When confronted, the man was found carrying several terra-cotta fragments and small stone tools believed to date back to the Bronze Age.
The suspect, identified as a local resident living on the outskirts of the site, had reportedly scouted the area for several days. He allegedly planned to sell the items to private collectors in the black market, where demand for authentic Indus Valley relics remains high despite strict international laws.
“He knew exactly where to dig to avoid the primary surveillance cameras,” said a senior official with the Culture and Antiquities Department. “These aren’t just pieces of clay; they are vital pieces of human history that provide context to how the people of Mohenjo-Daro actually lived.”
The site, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure, has struggled for years with inadequate perimeter security. While the main ruins are cordoned off, the vastness of the sprawling archaeological zone makes it difficult for a small force of guards to monitor every square meter around the clock.
This isn’t the first time the site has faced looting threats. However, the brazen nature of this attempt has reignited concerns among archaeologists who argue that the current fencing and guard-to-acreage ratio are insufficient to protect the ruins from encroachment and theft.
The recovered artifacts have been handed over to the Mohenjo-Daro Museum for authentication and cataloging. Meanwhile, police have registered a case under the Antiquities Act. The suspect remains in custody, facing charges that could carry significant prison time if the items are confirmed to be of high historical value.
For now, the site remains open to the public, but security patrols have been doubled in the areas surrounding the excavation pits. Whether these measures will deter future opportunists remains a pressing question for those tasked with guarding one of the world’s oldest urban centers.
