Excavations were carried out at the historic Emaar Math in Puri on Friday to unearth any traces of treasure hidden inside the 11th-century religious institution.
Following a request from the Trust Board, excavations were carried out at three places in the premises of the ancient monastery in September last year, which were marked by metal detectors. The Trust Board suspected that there might be more treasure hidden in the monastery complex.
The entrance to the Math was dug up in the presence of Deputy Collector Bhabtaran Sahu, members of the Math Trust Board and others.
“Three places were identified in the front part of the monastery and now those places are being excavated. If traces of any object are found, we will dig the place deeper,” said sub-collector Bhabtran Sahu.
The chairman of the new trust board said, “When I took over, I thoroughly examined the underground part of all the rooms of the monastery. I have no idea if there are more treasures hidden underground. If any, that excavation. Will come out later.”
The seizure of 522 silver ingots weighing 18 tonnes and worth Rs 90 crore from the ancient monastery on February 25, 2011, located in the south-eastern corner of the Shri Jagannath Temple, shook the entire nation. The matter is pending in the court.
Similarly, in the second phase of search on April 10, 2021, 45 silver ingots weighing about 35 kg were recovered from the monastery. In addition, some valuables such as silver tree, flowers, bouquet, silverware and jewelry were found inside. The monastery was taken over by the Endowment Commissioner in April 2021 following its capture.
A pair of cow and calf made of bronze and 16 ancient swords have also been recovered from the monastery. According to sources, the idol of a cow-calf was used during the Jhulan Yatra. It is suspected that many of the property and other objects that the monastery received as donations during its centuries-old history are still buried inside the complex.
read all breaking news, today’s fresh news And coronavirus news Here.
,