CHENNAI: At a time when Tamil Nadu is pitching for retrieval of idols stolen from its temples and smuggled abroad, authorities in the US and Australia have been lukewarm to requests from India in this regard. Museums and private collections in the two countries account for the highest number of idols that went missing from temples in Tamil Nadu and were smuggled overseas. The last time the country received stolen artefacts from abroad was in 2016, when the US and Australia returned seven ancient idols.According to Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) sources, the two countries have not responded to their missive regarding the antique pieces. "For instance, Australia is yet to reply about (smuggled) Indian-origin idols that were being investigated by them in the past few months," an ASI official said.Last year, the National Gallery of Australia (NGS) confirmed that four artefacts in its collection were identified by the idol wing of Tamil Nadu police as stolen.The list includes a 1,000-year-old Nandi statue, a 12thC bronze idol of Saint Sambandar and a 11thC trident with a Kali idol. These idols were traced to the Chola-era and Vijayanagar dynasty. Multiple communications between the NGA and the ASI through were exchanged till July, but there is no sign of return yet .Similar is the case with the US. ASI sources said around 22 artefacts, allegedly smuggled, needed to be verified. "Of the 22, a majority of the antique pieces that needs to be inspected were traced to Tamil Nadu. These are in different locations in museums and private collections," the official said. The ASI has received a letter from the Indian embassy in the US that the former was pursuing the cases with Homeland Security a month ago. "However, nothing is moving forward because there seems to be little response from the US authorities," the ASI official added.In June 2016, Homeland Security returned a dozen artefacts, which included a 11-12thC Saint Manikkavasagar idol and a 1,000-year-old Ganesha idol from Tamil Nadu. These were stolen from a temple at Sripurundan village in Ariyalur district. It was preceded return of two other ancient idols of Boodevi and Chakarathalvar.