The historic treasure trove discovered at the Sri Padmnabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram has turned into a security nightmare for the temple trust and the southern state of India – Kerala. Added to that is the local and global media frenzy who have descended on city to cover the opening of the remaining vaults of the temple.
Kerala Finance Minister KM Mani announced in the state Assembly that Kerala government would allocate Rs 1 crore (US 0.226 million) for temple security.
“We will take care of the complete expenses to provide fool proof security. All of us are proud of this temple and it is our duty to safeguard it,” added Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
Media reports said that the Kerala police is gearing up for perhaps the biggest security challenge in the recent history. The Kerala police will submit a report on a permanent security system of the temple to the Chief Minister, which then will be forwarded to the Supreme Court. Chandy has said that the government will not seek the assistance of Central forces now and the state police is capable of handling the situation.
Recommendations for tight security
Top police sources said that the recommendations are to declare the 500-metre radius around the temple as a ‘temple zone’ along the lines of the Sabarimala shrine and the Sri Balaji temple at Tirupati. No shops will be allowed in this space.
The recommendation has also been made to put in place Hi-tech security system worth Rs 5 crore (US 1.12 million) including bombproof vaults, x-ray scanning systems, sound alarms on doors and windows and CCTVs connected to a central video surveillance room.
A recommendation has also been made to put barbed wires surrounding the temple with high voltage lighting. Over three battalions of the Kerala Armed Police and commandos trained by the NSG have already been deployed. The final security system will be put into place only after the Supreme Court gives the nod.
Opening of Vault B deferred
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Friday deferred the opening of the last vault of temple. The apex court ordered that vault B of the Temple should not be opened for stock taking till July 15. There are six vaults in Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple from A to F and only vault B is yet to be opened.
The court has also asked the former Travancore royal family, who are the trustees of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, and the Kerala government to give suggestions on the security, conservation and preservation aspects of the temple and the treasure recovered.
Travancore royal family’s senior member King Marthanda Varma informed the the Supreme Court that he had no claim on the treasure found as it belonged to the god.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday also ordered videography and photography of the treasure found at the temple.
