The fate of the state archaeology department’s much-hyped treasure hunt at Vidyaranya School, Saifabad, is hanging in balance as the Central government has not given a go-ahead though permission was sought almost three months ago. Full-fledged digging at the supposed treasure site had begun at the school in February, just prior the Board exams much to the displeasure of the school management.
After investigating the site, the National Mineral Development Corporation had stated in a report in early March that there was an anomaly in the form of a magnetic object, construction or iron sheet at a depth of about 20 feet near the Naubat Pahad. The government was to set up a technical committee involving experts to begin explorations and trenching to figure out the exact nature of the structure underneath.
A state department of Archaeology source said, “Former director Professor Chenna Reddy had sent a letter to the Archaeological Survey of India in Delhi seeking permission to continue with the excavations. However, almost three months have lapsed, but no reply has come from the Centre. The present in-charge director Mr D. Srinivas has also sent a reminder to ASI, Delhi. Till we get permission, excavation can’t be resumed.”
Meanwhile the furore caused by the digging by Prof. P. Chenna Reddy, the then state director of archaeology and museums, hadn't got down well with minister Vatti Vasant Kumar as the activity was apparently carried on despite his orders. Prof. Reddy was subsequently shifted from the department to his original post in the Telugu University.