Bhubaneswar: The long-awaited inventory of the precious treasures housed in the Ratna Bhandar of Puri Srimandir is set to begin shortly, as announced by Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on August 1. He confirmed that preparatory work is advancing steadily, with the state government fully committed to ensuring a smooth and transparent process.
Addressing the media, the Minister disclosed that the Odisha government had formally requested the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to nominate two expert officials to oversee the counting and verification of the temple’s valuables. The RBI has responded by recommending two officials for this important task.
A dedicated Srimandir Managing Committee will be established to supervise the entire inventory process. Once the Committee approves, the ornaments and valuables currently stored temporarily will be moved back to the inner chamber of the Ratna Bhandar. The RBI will then be notified of the scheduled date for the inspection.
“The Reserve Bank of India has nominated two officials. Once the Managing Committee is in place and grants its approval, the treasures will be transferred to the inner Ratna Bhandar. Following that, the inventory process will commence in the presence of the RBI-nominated experts,” said Harichandan.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently completed significant repair and restoration work on the Ratna Bhandar, including the replacement of 520 damaged stones and the installation of 15 stainless steel beams to strengthen the structure.
The valuables from both the inner and outer chambers have already been relocated to secure rooms within the temple complex. The final inventory will be conducted once the Management Committee finalizes the date, under strict oversight from the nominated RBI experts.
This process marks a significant step toward enhancing transparency and preserving the centuries-old treasures of the Jagannath Temple.
Puri Stampede: CM Mohan Majhi to Decide on Action After Reviewing Probe Report
Law Minister Harichandan also stated on Friday that Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is currently reviewing the inquiry report submitted by Development Commissioner Anu Garg regarding the tragic stampede during the Rath Yatra in Puri. The incident, which occurred on June 29 at Saradhabali, resulted in three fatalities and several injuries among devotees.
Harichandan confirmed that the Chief Minister received the report on July 31. “The Development Commissioner has submitted her report. The Chief Minister is examining the findings and will decide on the next steps after a thorough assessment,” he stated.
The month-long investigation recorded testimonies from 67 individuals, including eyewitnesses, temple officials, and crowd control personnel. However, the report’s contents remain confidential, raising significant public interest and concern, particularly from victims’ families and civil society groups demanding accountability.
Harichandan emphasised that any decisions regarding responsibility or reforms in crowd management during major religious events will be made only after a detailed review of the report. “Let us wait for the Chief Minister’s decision,” he added.
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