Chairman of the committee to supervise the inventory of the Ratna Bhandar (treasure trove) of Puri Jagannath Temple, Justice Biswanath Rath, said the committee won’t reveal details of the gold ornaments stored in the inner chamber of the treasury.

Justice Rath, along with 11 committee members, including Puri Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, on Thursday entered the inner chamber of the fabled shrine’s treasury.

Earlier on Sunday, the committee members had entered the Ratna Bhandar and shifted the gold ornaments stored in its outer chamber but could not shift the ornaments stored in the inner chamber due to paucity of time. The committee spent nearly seven and a half hours inside the inner chamber and shifted all the gold ornaments from the temporary inner chamber to the temporary strong room built inside the shrine.

Rath said: “We never reveal what ornaments and valuables we do keep in our houses. Why should we reveal the details of the Lord’s ornaments that are stored in the inner chamber? The government has assigned the task of opening the inner chamber, shifting the valuables to another place, and preparing an inventory.

“We have taken a pledge not to reveal it. We are abiding by the SOP. All things have been videographed.”

When asked whether the Inner Ratna Bhandar has a hidden tunnel or other secret chamber, Justice Rath said: “I appeal to the media not to spread rumours. We have not seen any such things.”

When repeatedly asked whether the committee would recommend laser scanning of the inner chamber, Justice Rath said: “We have not seen any tunnel. But if there is a demand for it, the committee would deliberate on the issue and recommend it to the government. It’s up to the government to take a call.”

Rath, who was accompanied by the temple’s chief administrator Arabinda Padhee, said: “The committee spent nearly seven and a half hours inside the Ratna Bhandar. All the ornaments stored in the almirahs, boxes, and containers were shifted, and later, they were sealed. The keys have been handed over to the Puri collector.”

The Puri King, Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, said it was time to repair the Ratna Bhandar. “We have no evidence about repair work since 1971 when the ASI took over the charge of the shrine. Therefore, the repair of the Ratna Bhandar is very necessary.”

The valuables stored in almirahs and chests are being shifted to the Khata Seja room — a temporary strong room with high security,’ he said.