Yajur Mandir reveals treasure trove

Contrary to suspicion that valuables were removed from the Yajur Mandir while the Satya Sai Baba was admitted to hospital, a virtual treasure trove was found in the late seer’s personal chambers when members of the Satya Sai Central Trust opened the locks to the chambers and evaluated the movable property inside.

Trust member RJ Ratnakar on Friday disclosed before media persons that Yajur Mandir yielded Rs 11.56 crore in cash, 98 kg of gold ornaments and 307 kg silver items. Mr Ratnakar said that no foreign currency found in the mandir.

Disclosing the list of properties found inside the Yajur Mandir, Mr Ratnakar said the properties would be used for providing education, drinking water and health facilities as per the wish of Satya Sai Baba.

The valuables would be kept in the safe custody of the State Bank of India and kept in its lockers.

Mr Ratnakar further revealed that the valuables were counted under the watchful eyes of Income Tax officials. As many as 20 persons were deployed for the evaluation purposes and the entire exercise lasted 36 hours, the nephew of the late seer said.

He reiterated that the Sai Trust would continue all philanthropic activities as usual and there was no change in its endeavor to help the public.

When the reporters asked about recovery of idols of Lord Krishna, besides other idols, Mr Ratnakar refused to divulge any further details on this.

He also skirted questions if any Will of the Baba has been found in the Yajur Mandir.

All valuable properties recovered in the mandir would be displayed in the Satya Sai museum, which is to be established soon, the Trust Member stated.

Trust member and former Chief Justice of India PN Bhagwati, SV Giri, V Srinivasan and Trust secretary K Chakravarthi were present.