Excavation works opposed

Kurnool: The district administration and experts from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) are carrying out the excavations at the ancient fort located at Chennampalli in Tuggali mandal for the last five months reportedly in search of hidden treasures.

The officials could unearth some mortal remains of horses, some red bricks of abnormal sizes and two tusks of elephants. At later stages, some stone balls, cannons and two Panchaloha idols of Sita and Rama were unearthed. According to historians, Chennampalli Fort was built in 13th century in an extent of 102 acres. Further, the fort is having an underground connectivity to Gooty Fort which is 40 kilometres away.

To monitor the entire process, the district administration has deputed one Special Collector, a Revenue Divisional Officer and a Circle Inspector. Under their supervision, the excavations are going on in regular intervals. When The Hans India called the Special Collector Subba Reddy to know the status and progress of excavation, he responded in a harsh manner and hanged up the call.

Villagers of the Chennampalli are unhappy over ongoing excavation works. Venkatapathi, son of the village Sarpanch, speaking to The Hans India alleged that the officials are ruining the historical ancient fort with indiscriminate excavations.

“We are not even informed why and for what purpose the excavations are being done,” he stated. He said the village is going to be cursed by the God Shivasappa as the excavations are being carried out against his will.

A dargah exists atop of the fort and every year the villagers used to celebrate Ursu. He urged the officials to stop the excavations and protect the ancient monument.

By V Narendra Kumar