Though there is no concrete basis to confirm that there is any treasure hidden at all, the treasure hunt at Vidyaranya School ooposite to state secretariat is being continued for the third day.

A new dimension is added to the hunt with sudden appearance of state tourism minister Vatti Vasantha Kumar at the site. The minister was on the spot giving directions to officials, as early as 9 AM on Monday morning. He is said to have advised the Archeology department to take help from the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) in tracing the elusive jewels, pointing out that it could bring in its technological expertise to make the work easier. With the excavation likely to take longer than expected, he also directed the officials to ensure that their activities do not disturb the school which reopens tomorrow. The school has a strength of around 1,000 students and the excavation is going on at the far end of its playground.

Following the minister’s directives, the Archeology department contacted the NMDC and by afternoon, a team from the corporation arrived on the spot. They had lengthy discussions with the Archeology as well as revenue officials but refused to speak to the media. However, in an informal chat, they did drop enough hints that their equipment would be able to detect a tunnel or staircase made only of metal. Nonetheless, the officials expect the NMDC to chip in with its scanning and tracking equipment. It was decided that the work would begin at 9 a.m and end by 5 p.m. every day. The workers have so far levelled the ground at the Birla Mandir Hill or Naubat Pahad and it appears they will now manually dig up to reach the tunnel which is said to be underground.