Thaindian News

Thiruvananthapuram, July 3 (IANS) The famed Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, in the news for the priceless treasures being unearthed from its vaults, will be provided 24-hour security, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said Sunday.

“From tonight, a 24-hour special police control room has been opened at the Fort Police station. Round-the-clock mobile patrolling would be started and permanent security arrangements would also be provided,” Chandy told reporters here after a meeting with police officers regarding the temple’s security.

“This temple is our state’s pride…and is part of our culture. Hence it is the government’s right and duty to provide the needed security to the temple,” the chief minister added.

He also emphasised that the treasure is the property of the temple.

Chandy added that when a permanent security cover is set up, it would be done by taking into confidence the head of the erstwhile royal family of Travancore.

A Supreme Court appointed committee is opening six chambers in the Sri Padmanabha Swamy temple and making an inventory of the stock.

The unofficial estimate of the gems and jewellery found in the chambers, two of which have not been opened for nearly 150 years, is Rs.1 lakh crore ($22 billion).

The task of making the inventory began June 27 and five chambers have been opened so far.

The stock-taking process was ordered by the Supreme Court following a petition by advocate T.P. Sundararajan over alleged mismanagement of the temple affairs.