‘Fake Silver’ row: Jammu court summons IO, seeks records
A Jammu court has summoned a crime branch inquiry officer to explain the lack of progress in investigating a case involving 20 tonnes of adulterated silver offerings at the Vaishno Devi shrine. The investigation was prompted by a government mint's discovery that the offerings contained only 5-6% silver and toxic cadmium, raising concerns about potential theft or fraud in the shrine's supply chain.
Why it matters
The case highlights significant security and integrity concerns regarding the management of high-value religious offerings and potential systemic corruption in the handling of temple assets.
JAMMU: A Jammu court has directed the crime branch inquiry officer to appear in person with the complete record in a case linked to the alleged “fake silver” offerings Rs worth Rs 500cr at Vaishno Devi shrine after objections were raised over the agency’s handling of a complaint seeking registration of an FIR.The case first came to light on April 21, when Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board sent around 20 tonnes of accumulated offerings to a govt mint for melting and storage.Officials conducting the assay were surprised to find that the metal contained only about 5-6% of actual silver.
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