A group of unidentified men have allegedly been using explosives to dig up “treasures” in the forest areas of the University of Hyderabad campus.
Ravi Jillapalli, a PhD scholar from Life Sciences department of the University of Hyderabad found low intensity explosives in the South Campus of the university on Saturday. Along with the explosives, a few masks, ropes and iron levers were found in the area.
To protect the campus wild life from poachers, Ravi and a team of four security officials went on rounds in the dense forest areas of the campus, as a regular weekend duty. Despite visiting the same place several times, they didn’t notice shattered rocks following low-impact blasts. But on Saturday, they found unusual props like masks, ropes and iron levers in the premises which raised their suspicion. They believe some groups are on a treasure hunt.
Ravi Jillapalli told TNM, “We suspect some group is indulging in a treasure hunt in the campus premises. This location is very isolated and deep into the forest area. The old locals say that there is some treasure hidden beneath the rocks. We suspect some groups from outside are trying to acquire the treasure by using low intensity explosives made of phosphorus.”
University security officials inspected the place and took possession of the masks, ropes and iron levers. TV Rao, Chief Security Officer for University of Hyderabad, said, “We are making attempts to nab these people but could not succeed till now as this place is deep inside the forest where vehicles cannot reach. We don’t know the number of members who take part in these blasts.” He said the university is planning to file a complaint with the police.
The University officials also said there are many places in the campus where such materials were previously found and taken into possession. Back in 2002, a team of students, history professor KP Rao and a few archaeologists found ancient pottery and iron tools on campus.