Police in the Janjgir-Champa district of Chhattisgarh have seized a cache of antique coins and statues discovered during a house construction project in Parsahi Bana village. The artifacts were unearthed after the property owner, acting on a claimed premonition, enlisted a local traditional healer (baiga) to conduct a ritualistic excavation at the site.
Discovery Sparked by Premonition
The incident began when the homeowner, Sampat Kanwar, initiated foundation work for a new house. According to reports, Kanwar claimed he had a recurring dream about gold statues and ancient coins buried beneath his land. Following this, he invited a local baiga to perform rituals, which eventually led to the discovery of the buried items.
Dispute Over Ownership
The excavation soon turned into a source of local tension. A dispute erupted between Kanwar and the baiga regarding the possession of the items, fueled by speculation that the statues were made of gold and held significant monetary value. Local authorities intervened to secure the site and the recovered objects to prevent further conflict and ensure the preservation of potential historical artifacts.
Preliminary Findings and Historical Significance
Among the items recovered by the Akaltara police are several coins that appear to date back to the colonial era. Preliminary observations indicate that at least one of the coins bears the inscription “ONE ANNA” and “EAST INDIA COMPANY”, with the year 1818 clearly marked.
While the discovery has sparked widespread interest, authorities have urged caution regarding the origin and material composition of the items. Key facts regarding the seizure include:
- Police Custody: All recovered items are currently being held securely at the Akaltara police station.
- Expert Review: The police have formally requested the state’s Department of Archaeology to examine the artifacts.
- Unconfirmed Value: Officials have not yet verified if the statues are composed of gold or if they possess specific archaeological significance.
Next Steps
Akaltara Station House Officer (SHO) Jai Kumar Sahu confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. “We have written to the Department of Archaeology to verify the age, material, and historical value of these items,” Sahu stated. The findings of the expert analysis will determine whether the artifacts will be handed over to the state museum or subjected to further legal proceedings under antiquities preservation laws.
