Rare 35-Million-Year-Old Fossil Stolen in South Garo Hills

The incident raises serious concerns about the security of India’s paleontological and archaeological sites.

Tolegre village in South Garo Hills has been left in shock following the theft of a rare 35-million-year-old fossil that had garnered significant scientific interest since its discovery last year.

Local MLA and Cabinet Minister Rakkam A. Sangma confirmed that villagers have lodged an FIR at Siju Police Station, and an investigation is currently underway.

The fossil, unearthed in 2024 by the Core Geo Expedition team after a month-long survey, was believed to date back 35–40 million years. Preliminary assessments suggested it belonged to Rhodocetus or Ambulocetus, extinct prehistoric creatures considered early ancestors of modern whales.

Following the discovery, experts from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) visited the site for sample collection. However, the fossil remained largely intact, safeguarded by villagers who restricted access to prevent damage.

Despite these precautions, unidentified individuals reportedly broke into the site two nights ago, excavating and stealing the entire fossil. The theft has sparked outrage among residents, who had taken great pride in protecting the rare find.

With an investigation now in progress, the incident raises serious concerns about the security of India’s paleontological and archaeological sites. Authorities are expected to take further measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

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