Puri, July 14: Ratna Bhandar supervisory committee chairman Justice Biswanath Rath Sunday said the Bithar Ratna Bhanar (Inner Treasury Trove) was opened as per the SoP approved by the State government.

"Three locks of the Bhitar Ratna Bhandar were cut open in the presence of the magistrate as keys didn't work," said Justice Rath, who led a team to open the Ratna Bhandar. He said the locks were broken as per the SoP. He said that the Inner Ratna Bhandar had a sealed lock, besides three closed locks.

He said the Inner Treasure Trove is a 15X10 ft-size room where Almirahs and Sindooks (wooden trunks) have been kept. All these containers have been leaned against the walls.

"We saw a Godrej-brand Almirah and many wooden Sindooks and almirahs kept close to walls. While the ornaments of Bahar Ratna Bhandar were shifted to a temporary strong room, we didn't have time to shift the treasures from the Inner Ratna Bhandar today. They will be shifted on a later date," said Justice Rath.

He said the existence of any Sudanga (underground passage), if any, can be known only after Almirahs and Sindooks are taken out.

Justice Rath asserted that the Bhitar Ratna Bhandar needs repair. The inner parts of the treasury house have been videographed, said he.

He said the Inner Treasure Trove was locked with new locks, the keys of which were sent to the Government Treasury for safekeeping.

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