Damoh, May 24: A significant controversy erupted in the Futera Ward of Damoh district, Madhya Pradesh, when a large number of British-era silver coins were discovered during the excavation for a house foundation.
The excavation took place at the ancestral home of Alok Soni, a government school teacher residing in the area under the jurisdiction of the Kotwali police station.
While digging for foundation pillars, workers unearthed a clay pot filled with old silver coins. The Archaeological Department confirmed that these coins date back to the British colonial period, specifically between 1815 and 1915. Authorities reported that 42 silver coins were seized from the site. However, tensions escalated after a worker made serious allegations regarding the recovery of the coins.
One worker, identified as Patel, claimed that a substantial amount of coins weighing approximately 30 to 35 kilograms was recovered. He alleged that after the discovery, each worker was paid 500 rupees and instructed to leave, with a significant portion of the coins not being handed over to the authorities.
Alok Soni refuted these claims, asserting that every coin recovered was promptly submitted to the administration. He suggested that some workers might have hidden a portion of the coins themselves.
Upon learning of the incident, a police team led by Kotwali station chief Manish Kumar arrived at the scene with the tehsildar and other revenue officials. Construction work at the site was immediately halted, and the area was placed under administrative supervision.
The police have registered a case and initiated a thorough investigation to determine the exact number of coins recovered and to ascertain whether any coins were concealed.
News of the buried treasure spread rapidly throughout the area, leading to large crowds gathering around the site throughout the day. Local residents engaged in lively discussions about the potential historical and economic significance of the find.
Discoveries of British-era coins in Madhya Pradesh are not uncommon, as the region is known for its historical artifacts from various periods. However, this particular case has garnered attention due to the conflicting claims surrounding the recovery of the coins.
A detailed examination of the coins seized by the Archaeological Department is expected. Officials have urged the public to maintain peace and warned against spreading rumors. The outcome of the ongoing investigation will determine whether this incident was merely an accidental discovery or an attempt to conceal valuable artifacts.
This event once again highlights the importance of properly reporting historical discoveries under Indian treasure hunting laws.
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