Shillong, Jan 29: A rare prehistoric fossil, believed to be 35 to 40 million years old, has been stolen from Tolegre village in Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills, sparking outrage and concerns over the security of heritage sites in the state.

The fossil, unearthed last May by the Core Geo Expedition team after a month-long search, was thought to belong to the extinct Rodhocetus or Ambulocetus—early ancestors of modern whales. Experts from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) had examined the site, but villagers took charge of safeguarding the discovery, restricting access to outsiders.

Despite their efforts, a portion of the fossil was cut and stolen recently. Education Minister and local MLA Rakkam A. Sangma confirmed the theft, saying an FIR had been filed at Siju Police Station.

“This is a serious loss for both the state and the country. The police are investigating, and I assure you the culprit will be caught,” Sangma told reporters.

He revealed that the state government had been planning to develop the site into a museum to preserve and showcase the fossil. “It was a significant discovery. Geologists from abroad had shown interest in the site, and as the local MLA, I was pushing for a museum project,” he said.

Villagers had fenced off the area to protect the fossil, but the theft exposed security vulnerabilities in the remote jungle terrain.

“The site was deep in the forest. Despite the villagers’ best efforts, someone likely sneaked in through the jungle to commit the theft,” Sangma explained.

The theft has raised questions about the protection of valuable archaeological and geological finds in Meghalaya. When asked about the possibility of organized involvement, Sangma did not rule anything out.

“Theft is theft—it could be a local or an outsider. We don’t know yet,” he said.

He urged patience as the investigation continues. “These things take time. Let’s wait for further updates from the inquiry,” he added.

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