Suspicions Raised by Duplicate Keys and Unlocked Chests
Justice Biswanath Rath, Chairman of the Puri Srimandir Ratna Bhandar Inspection Committee, made some startling revelations about the Ratna Bhandar during an exclusive interview with OTV on Thursday. Justice Rath narrated his experience inspecting the treasure trove, highlighting significant issues, including the presence of duplicate keys and numerous unlocked cupboards and chests.
The Enigma of the Duplicate Keys
During OTV’s Khola Katha programme, Justice Rath shared his skepticism about the duplicate keys provided to access the Ratna Bhandar. He noted that the locks were from the British era, while the duplicate keys appeared different and seemingly out of place. “We were given facts about the duplicate keys. However, I was in doubt as I knew that only some persons at Buxi Bazaar in Cuttack prepared duplicate keys. Hence, I was sure that Ratna Bhandar would not open with these keys,” said Rath. His suspicions were confirmed when the duplicate keys failed to open the locks, compelling the team to break the locks to gain entry.
Alarming Discoveries Inside the Ratna Bhandar
Upon entering the Ratna Bhandar, Justice Rath was taken aback by the state of disarray inside. Some chests and almirahs were found unlocked, raising serious concerns about the security and integrity of the valuables stored within. Rath was particularly surprised because the last inspection in 1978 by eminent personalities, including the then Governor and Chief Minister, should have ensured everything was securely locked.
Questions About Missing Valuables
Justice Rath revealed the presence of valuable ornaments inside the Ratna Bhandar, but discrepancies in the inventory lists sparked suspicions about missing items. A list of ornaments found in a packet with the duplicate keys added to the confusion. Rath questioned whether this list was created in 1978 or more recently in 2018, casting doubt on the authenticity and completeness of the records.
Historical Concerns and Inspection Challenges
Justice Rath detailed the difficulties faced by the inspection team. Initially, they received two keys in a sealed packet, but these keys did not match the locks on the Ratna Bhandar. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) required the team to break all three locks to enter the inner chamber. Rath recounted previous attempts in 2018 to open the treasure trove with duplicate keys, which had also failed, reinforcing his belief that the keys were not genuine.
Apprehensions About Key Preparation and Seal Integrity
Justice Rath raised further concerns about the preparation of the duplicate keys and the integrity of the seal. He speculated that the keys and the inventory list found in 2018 might have been tampered with. If the list was indeed from 1978, the original keys should have been included in the same packet. This discrepancy led Rath to suspect that the keys and the seal might have been created or altered in 2018.
First Glimpse and Condition of the Idols
Justice Rath described the initial glimpse inside the Ratna Bhandar. After lighting an earthen lamp and performing a small prayer, the team saw small idols placed inside. However, the overall condition of the treasure trove was concerning. One wooden cupboard was locked, but the lock positions on two other wooden cupboards were improper. An iron chest had provisions for two locks, but one lock was open, and two wooden chests had no locks at all.
Need for a Thorough Inventorisation Process
Justice Rath emphasized the necessity of a meticulous inventorisation process to ascertain the exact status of the valuables stored in the Ratna Bhandar. The Odisha government has mandated that the inventorisation be based on the 1978 list, with an SOP prepared for the process. Rath stressed the importance of having the necessary personnel and equipment to accurately identify and catalogue the ornaments, gemstones, and other valuables.
Concluding Thoughts and Future Steps
Justice Rath expressed hope that no property of Lord Jagannath is lost. The inventorisation process, once completed, will clarify the current state of the Ratna Bhandar’s contents. Until then, the questions raised by Justice Rath’s revelations have cast a shadow of doubt over the security and integrity of this sacred treasure trove.
(With inputs from agencies)
