Kasaragod: The Kumbala Police on Monday detained five people, including a panchayat vice-president, for attempting to dig for treasure in a well at the Kumbla Arikady Fort, which is under the control of the Department of Archaeology.

They were caught around 4 pm as they were trying to excavate 'treasure' inside the fort illegally. The detained youths told the police that Mogral-Puthur grama panchayat vice-president Mujeeb Kambar told them to dig for treasure. Tools such as a pickaxe and earthenware used for digging were found at the site. 

Local residents heard noises inside the fort and went to check. Upon seeing the locals, two people outside the well tried to flee, but locals caught them and alerted the police. 

The Kumbala police arrived at the scene and took the individuals into custody. The group had visited the fort three days ago in search of treasure, having been convinced by rumours that Kudumbashree workers in Kannur had found treasure. Police said they would be released on station bail.