India, Jan. 30 -- A rare fossil, estimated to be 35 to 40 million years old that was unearthed last year in Meghalaya's South Garo Hills has been reported stolen by villagers, police said.

A metal grill and lock installed by the government to prevent damage to the site in Tolegre village was recently reported to have been broken. A complaint was filed at the Siju police station and the case is being investigated.

South Garo Hills superintendent of police (SP) Shailendra Banamiya said the police station received information about the incident on January 28. "Thereafter, the complaint was registered, and a police team was sent to confirm the incident. I myself am at the location right now," Banamiya said.

Underlining that it was not easy...