Inventory at Padmanabha Swamy temple yet to be completed

Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 27: Documentation of the remarkable treasure found in vaults beneath the

here began on Feb 27 but four months later the process is nowhere near completion.

In Jun 2011, a team of officials entered the vaults on the directions of the Supreme Court and found golden idols, figurines, numerous ornaments, diamonds, emeralds, rubies, ancient coins, antique silver and brass platters.

The total worth of all these items has been guesstimated at over Rs 120,000 crore. Since one of the vaults has not been opened for more than a century and it is believed to contain considerable wealth, the actual figure could be much more.

The SC-appointed panel assigned the task of documenting the treasure has reportedly asked a German expert to help RBI staff ascertain the exact value of the gems.

The Indian Space Research Organisation and Keltron have supplied state-of the-art equipment for the purpose. Both the organisations are also jointly coordinating the valuation.

It is amazing that the inventory has been delayed due to confusion over where to store the CD of the video recording of the process. Some in the panel feel that the CD should be kept in the temple itself, others want it to be moved to a bank locker.

A final decision in this regard is expected soon. Afterwards, the panel will hopefully carry on with the valuation.

OneIndia News