Michael D. Burks, Sr.
Chief of Police
911 Municipal Drive
Hudson, MA 01749
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018
Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Hudson Police Recover Hindu Artifact from Assabet River
Search Concludes After Resident Reports Seeing Object Thrown from Bridge
HUDSON — Chief Michael D. Burks, Sr. reports that the Hudson Police Department has recovered what is believed to be a Hindu artifact from the Assabet River after a resident reported seeing an object thrown from a bridge yesterday.
On Monday, Aug. 20, at approximately 7 p.m., Hudson Police received a call from a 10-year-old resident who reported seeing a woman throw an object wrapped in a blanket into the Assabet River from a bridge in the area of 12 Forest Ave.
The caller was riding her bike in the neighborhood when she reported seeing a woman get out of the driver’s side of a black four-door sedan and pick something up out of the passenger seat. According to the caller, the woman appeared upset and was cradling the object, which was wrapped in a blanket. The woman then made the motion of a cross from her forehead to her chest with her hand before softly dropping the object into the water.
Hudson Police and Fire responded to the scene along with the Massachusetts Fire District 14 Dive Rescue Team and conducted a thorough search of the river and surrounding area. The only item recovered from the river that appeared to have entered the water recently was a 6-inch tall white figurine that police believe is a statue of the Hindu deity Ganesha. The statue appears to have a broken head.
Following an investigation, Hudson police believe that the relic was most likely placed in the water as part of a religious ritual. They are now looking to speak with the female or anyone who may know this woman for more information about the activities observed by the witness.
“We are looking to speak to this woman simply to learn more about what the reporting party observed yesterday,” Chief Burks said. “Although we do not believe this incident was malicious or placed anyone in danger, we do commend this young resident for coming forward after seeing something they thought was suspicious.”
Anyone with information about the subject or the statue is asked to call the Hudson Police Detective Division at 978-562-7122 ext. 7.
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