Patna, Sep 27 (IANS) Bihar has ordered a high-level probe into the theft of 18 valuable bronze statues of Buddha and Mahavira from the Patna museum.

These rare bronze statues were stolen from the high security Patna museum Monday night.

According to officials of the museum, statues were missing from the first floor gallery of the museum.

Anjani Kumar Singh, secretary of arts and culture, said a high level probe has been ordered. "It is a matter of concern for us."

Police said the theft was detected Tuesday morning. In the past rare statues and manuscripts have been stolen from the museum.