By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 19: The state government is stepping up security measures and engaging with stakeholders as the Geological Survey of India (GSI) resumes its research in Tolegre, South Garo Hills—the site where a 35-40-million-year-old fossil was stolen earlier this year.
“The GSI team is on the spot and doing more research they are identifying not just fossils by many more. The government was planning to build a museum. Something has to be done. I will visit and discuss with the stakeholders,” said Cabinet Minister and Rongra Siju MLA, Rakkam A Sangma.
The fossil was reportedly stolen after unidentified individuals broke into the site and excavated an entire section.
When asked about the status of the investigation into the theft, the minister said, “Police are on the job the report is awaited.”
In May last year, a fossil was discovered in the village by the Core Geo Expedition team, following over a month of exploration.
Preliminary estimates dated the fossil to around 35-40 million years, possibly belonging to the now-extinct genus Rhodocetus or Amulocetus—believed to be ancient land ancestors of modern whales.
After the initial discovery, a team from the GSI visited the site and reportedly collected samples to verify the findings.
However, a major portion of the fossil remained protected by the local villagers, who restricted access to the site to preserve its integrity. Even the district administration was asked to refrain from visiting to ensure the site’s protection.