According to archaeological officers, the ornaments seized were crafted by artisans during the regime of the Mughals, Nizams and Nawabs.
The East Zone Team of the Commissioner's Task Force on Tuesday arrested five of a 7-member gang that had stolen gold coins and gold and silver ornaments that were hidden in a wall while demolishing an old house, at Doodbowli. The accused had kept the property with them without informing the house owner or depositing it with government officials.
The police recovered about 1,690 grams of gold coins and gold jewellery, about 4,200 grams of silver ornaments and articles, and about 490 grams of imitation silver jewellery.
According to archaeological officers, the ornaments seized were crafted by artisans during the regime of the Mughals, Nizams and Nawabs. The gold coins belong to the Mughal period, and some are even from ancient Roman times, they aver.
The market value of the valuables seized is about Rs. 50 lakh, and the estimated antiquity value of the same material is about Rs. 5-7 cores, according to officers of the archaeology department.
According to the police, the main accused, Mohammed Rafeeq and Mohammed Abdul Bari, are labour contractors, who took a demolition contract of the house bearing No. 19-1-658/1 at Doodhbowli in the third week of October. They engaged Sara Ramulu, Mohammed Muneer, Mallesh, Ramulu and Yadaiah, daily wage labourers, from different labour "addas", for the demolition.
While demolishing the said house, they found gold coins, gold and silver ornaments (treasures) hidden in the wall of a room in the western side. About 20% of the gold ornaments were distributed amongst them by contractors Gora Bhai and Rafeeq, and the remaining 80% of the gold coins (Ashrafis), ornaments and other articles were distributed between Gora Bhai and Rafeeq.
On enquiry, police found that the said house was inherited by one Satish Kumar, from his grandfather, Vishawanath, who is said to have purchased the items about 50 years ago, from Prem Raj and Anand Raj brothers.
On Monday afternoon, on credible information received by constable M V N S S Kumar, of the Task Force, inspector K Srikanth and his staff arrested the accused and recovered the valuables.
The five accused were arrested in Cr. No. 145/2012 u/s 380 IPC and Sec 20 of The Indian Treasure Trove Act 1878 of Kamatipura PS. Further investigations are on. (INN)