‘Commission report on missing Ratna Bhandar keys to be presented before Odisha Cabinet’

The controversy surrounding the alleged disappearance of keys to the Ratna Bhandar in Puri Jagannath temple has captured public attention in the State. However, the report of the inquiry commission will be presented before the State Cabinet soon, Advocate General Pitambar Acharya informed Orissa High Court on Monday.

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An investigative commission was previously convened to delve into the missing case, with their report anticipated to be reviewed by the State Cabinet shortly.

According to sources, the Advocate General has briefed the court on these developments, with a subsequent hearing slated for May 15. This follows mounting concerns about the safeguarding and oversight of Ratna Bhandar (the Lords' treasure trove) in the shrine, which holds significant cultural and historical value.

The commission's report is expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the ‘missing keys’ and highlight the extent of this crucial oversight. Authorities face increasing pressure to ensure accountability and transparency in handling this vital cultural relic.

2024 developments in the shrine

During the July 2024 reopening after 46 years, officials encountered three broken locks instead of the documented two-lock system. This physical evidence contradicted earlier claims about key management protocols and reignited public suspicion.

Institutional confusion over 'missing keys'

Multiple contradictory explanations emerged about key custody protocols - Puri kings denied responsibility, temple administration cited 1960 rules prohibiting duplicate keys, while district authorities inconsistently reported key discoveries. This bureaucratic confusion continues to erode public trust.

Key disappearance in 2018

The controversy began when Puri district authorities couldn't locate the inner chamber keys during a 2018 inspection ordered by the Orissa High Court. A judicial commission led by Justice Raghubir Das later found duplicate keys mysteriously appeared in the district record room two months after their disappearance, raising questions about temple administration accountability.

Political impact of 'missing keys'

The BJP made this a key election issue, with PM Modi alleging the BJD suppressed the judicial report and hinting at Tamil Nadu connections through Naveen Patnaik's aide and political advisor VK Pandian. The 2018 commission's 324-page report remains classified despite multiple election promises for disclosure.

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Technical findings vs public perception

While ASI's 2024 geophysical surveys ruled out secret chambers, the forced entry through multiple broken locks amplified conspiracy theories about potential earlier unauthorised access. The presence of RBI officials, during inventory-taking, highlighted concerns about asset security.