Atholi, Kozhikode: Treasure hunters are giving sleepless nights to the residents of Veloor in Kozhikode district. Those residing near Size Mukku at Veloor have complained about a
few people digging up a huge pit on a plot at Oorali Parambu. The rumour mills said huge cache of riches was unearthed. Almost confirming such activity, a 4-metre deep pit could be seen on the land taken on lease by two Kallayi natives ostensibly for waste treatment
Suspicion arose as the lessees erected shields around the compound and started to dig a pit. Growing suspicious over the dubious state of affairs, the local people alerted the police. Sub-Inspector R L Prashanth and ASI K Reghu visited the spot and summoned the Kallayi natives but could not confirm whether treasure was unearthed, though digging was on till last Thursday.
However, there are ample indications that sorcery was indeed performed on the plot. Locals say a man from Malappuram, after examining the soil there, predicted the presence of hidden wealth between two cycad trees. The soil was burrowed after chopping down one of the trees. Owing to public pressure, police are investigating the matter.
"The allegations that some have taken hold of the buried cache are baseless. But there is proof that sorcery and burrowing have taken place," stated Sub-Inspector R L Prasanth.
"I was asked to dig up the land saying there was a treasure underneath. However, after four days of work, I was told the cache ‘moved out' and hence the work was wound up," Ubaid Olavanna, a labourer, said.
The one-and-a half-acre land is owned by one Moosa of Oangilottummal. The caretaker of the land denied any illegal activity is being carried out on the property. “The land was given on lease to treat the waste of a footwear manufacturing unit. I am not aware of the treasure hunt, but will cooperate in every way to clear the doubts of the residents,” said Tharopadikkal Mammad.
Bindhu Malayil, panchayat member, called for a probe to dispel rumours. “A detailed probe should be conducted in the area as the public strongly belief that the riches were dug out from the compound. A memorandum signed by the local residents was submitted to the Atholi police station,” she said.
What lends credence to the rumours is the profile of the property. "Major chunks of land in Veloor formerly belonged to the ancient Edakkandathu Illam, a Brahmin family. So there is every possibility of precious artifacts lying hidden underground. The reports of treasures could be true. This should be investigated by the Geology and Archeology departments," said K V Kumaran, a local.
