The theft of a rare prehistoric fossil, estimated to be between 35 and 40 million years old, has caused alarm and concern among the residents of Tolegre village in Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills. The incident has highlighted serious security concerns regarding the protection of valuable scientific discoveries. A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed, and police have initiated an investigation into the theft.
Tolegre village had garnered significant scientific interest following the fossil’s discovery last year. Local MLA and Cabinet Minister Rakkam A. Sangma confirmed that an FIR has been lodged at Siju Police Station, and an investigation is currently underway.
“It is unfortunate. This shouldn’t have happened. This fossil is an asset not just for the state but for the entire country,” said Sangma.
“The police are investigating, and I assure you the culprit will be caught,” he added.
The fossil was unearthed in 2024 by the Core Geo Expedition team after an extensive month-long survey. Preliminary studies suggested that it dated back 35–40 million years and was likely from either Rhodocetus or Ambulocetus, extinct prehistoric creatures believed to be early ancestors of modern whales.
Following the discovery, experts from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) visited the site to collect samples for further analysis. However, the bulk of the fossil remained intact and was safeguarded by the villagers, who restricted external access, including that of local authorities, to ensure its preservation.
Despite these precautions, the fossil has now gone missing. Sources indicate that unidentified individuals broke into the site and excavated the entire section, allegedly two nights ago. The theft has triggered widespread outrage among residents, who had taken immense pride in protecting what could have been a significant addition to India’s paleontological heritage.
While authorities have yet to release an official statement, the incident has raised serious concerns regarding the security of archaeological and paleontological sites in the region.