Indian state vows to guard Hindu treasure

Authorities in southern India vowed on Saturday to step up security at a Hindu temple housing ancient treasures worth billions of dollars. The pledge came after the Supreme Court deferred the opening of a final sixth vault at the temple in Kerala state capital Thiruvananthapuram until it could be determined how the treasure could be made safe. "The temple treasures are the pride of Kerala and we are committed to protecting and preserving them," state chief minister Oommen Chandy told AFP. Chandy said the state government has earmarked 10 million rupees ($225,000) to upgrade security for the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and more money could be allocated if needed. Preliminary estimates peg the value of the gold, silver, statues and precious stones at up to $22 billion but experts say it is virtually impossible to determine the true worth of the treasure discovered last week. The haul catapulted the shrine, renowned for its intricate sculptures, into the league of India's richest temples which have been endowed by pilgrims and wealthy patrons. Over 100 police officers are stationed inside the temple which until last week relied on just a dozen security guards. More than 50 armed commandos are on guard outside temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu while metal detectors and security cameras have been installed. "We have set up a separate control room to monitor every movement in and around the complex," said the state's top police officer Jacob Punnoose. The Supreme Court ordered the inspection of the temple after a petitioner questioned the security for the valuables. The court has been driving efforts to establish ownership of the treasure. The temple was built hundreds of years ago by the king of Travancore and donations by devotees have been kept in its vaults ever since. Since India achieved independence from Britain in 1947, a trust managed by descendants of the Travancore royal family has controlled the temple. On Friday, Kerala's former royal family renounced the temple treasure and said the fortune should be used "judiciously for religious and social purposes" such as building hospitals and schools. Hindu activists say the temple owns the treasure.