Ustad Amjad Ali Khan's sarod goes missing

Indian classical musician Ustad Amjad Ali Khan's sarod, which he has been playing for the last 45 years, has gone missing while he was returning to Delhi from London by a British Airways flight.

The Padma Vibhushan sarod maestro had gone to London along with his wife Subhalaxmi for a performance at Dartington College to celebrate the life of Rabindranth Tagore on June 21 and returned on the night of June 28.

He and his wife were travelling first class on British Airways flight (BA-143) on the night of June 28, their return journey from London after a performance at Dartington College to celebrate the life of Rabindranth Tagore on June 21.

"But when we arrived at Delhi airport on June 28, I could not find my priceless sarod. We waited there for 4-5 hours while airline people tried to trace the instrument. But they were not able to trace it, and they said most likely it would come by the next flight," Khan told PTI.

"But now its more than 48 hours and still I am waiting for some news. How can such a big airline be so irresponsible," Khan said.

"This process has taken longer than anticipated and we apologize for the inconvenience caused," an airline spokesperson said. "I want the airlines to trace my sarod and give it back to me as it is priceless and I don't want any compensation," said Khan. He further added "Being an artist I communicate through my sarod, which was with me for last 45 years, but if it is lost now, then how will I communicate ?".

According to sources, Khan's sarod was packed at London as per procedure carried out for packaging of such precious instruments, before they are being sent as check-in luggage.

Its present estimated balue is supposed to be around 6 crore INR