Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)

Beltangady, Nov 5: Unidentified people having an eye on suspected hidden treasure inside a dilapidated Basadi in Shishila village in the taluk, were found to have dug the earth inside the Basadi. The fact that they had also used methods of sorcery came to light late night on Saturday November 3.

The Basadi area in Shishila is popularly known as 'Matsyateertha', which the people consider as holy. Locals had seen some strangers moving around this area since the last two days and questioned them on Saturday evening. The strangers said they had come there for fishing in the river.

The villagers grew suspicious about their activities. Therefore, they went inside the Basadi at night and found that stone slab covering a spot had been moved aside and the place had been dug out. They also saw coconut, vermilion, lemon and fruits which indicated that some black magic procedures were conducted apparently to please the spirits guarding the treasure.

The locals then contacted Dharmasthala police and informed them about their finding. The police arrived at the spot during late night hours. By then, the strangers got inkling about the police visit, and fled before they faced trouble. The police, it is learnt, could get the registration number of the vehicle used by them.

On the basis of available information, the police are investigating. The locals in the meantime, expressed anger at the increasing number of unidentified people visiting the area to catch fish in violation of government order banning fishing in Matsyateertha area.