Forest department launches probe into alleged treasure hunt at Giddalur Tiger Reserve

Vijayawada: The alleged secret treasure excavation incident reported from the Giddalur Tiger Reserve in Markapuram district has triggered widespread controversy, prompting the forest department to take serious note of the issue and launch an internal probe into the allegations.

According to reports, illegal excavations were allegedly carried out inside the tiger reserve forest area after a treasure-hunting gang reportedly tipped off officials about hidden valuables buried deep inside the forest. The incident, believed to have occurred some time ago, surfaced recently after videos related to the excavation began circulating widely on social media.

Sources alleged that officials from the Thurimella forest range, along with tribal watchers, conducted digging operations using heavy machinery, including a JCB excavator. During the excavation, two large earthen pots were allegedly unearthed. Rumours have been spreading that the pots contained gold ornaments, diamonds, and other valuables.

The videos circulating online reportedly show scenes from the excavation site, intensifying suspicions over the possible involvement of certain forest personnel. Allegations have also surfaced that the valuables recovered from the site were first taken to Hyderabad in an attempt to sell them and were later allegedly disposed of in Bengaluru.

Sources said the excavation was allegedly carried out based on information obtained during the questioning of members of a treasure-hunting gang from Yerragondapalem. Videos and photographs reportedly taken during the operation were also said to have been shared on social media platforms.

Following the controversy, senior forest department officials reportedly initiated an inquiry to ascertain the facts and examine the role of officials, if any, in the alleged excavation activities. Local police are also reported to have begun a parallel inquiry into the matter.