Big scam of Shraddha in offering to Vaishno Devi. There was a stir after finding 94% fake, poisonous metal in 20 tonnes of silver.

News India Live, Digital Desk: A revelation has come to light regarding the ‘silver’ jewelery and coins offered by the devotees in the treasury of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), which has hurt the faith of crores of devotees. According to this revelation which was prominently shown in Zee News’ popular program DNA, the investigation by the Government Mint has found that the silver items offered in the temple are adulterated in the range of 94% to 95%. Expected ₹ 550 crore, got only ₹ 30 crore. The Shrine Board had sent about 20 tonnes (20,000 kg) of silver offerings accumulated over decades to the Government Mint in Delhi for purification. Estimated value: The board expected that after purifying this silver, they would get pure silver worth about ₹ 500-550 crore. Surprising result: After investigation, the mint said that the amount of real silver in it is only 5 to 6%. After purification, its total value reduced to only ₹ 30 crores. Shocking sample: In a random sample of 70 kg, only 3 kg of real silver was found, the rest was adulterated iron and other metals. Devotees were offering ‘poison’, not silver! The most scary thing that came to light in the investigation is not only financial fraud but also a big health hazard. Use of Cadmium: Silver items To make it shiny and heavy, it was heavily adulterated with cadmium and iron. Deadly smoke: Mint experts said that when this adulterated silver was melted, it emitted highly poisonous smoke. Cadmium is a ‘carcinogenic’ (cancer-causing) substance, which can cause serious damage to the lungs and kidneys. Where did it go wrong? Needle of doubt on traders: This scam has raised serious questions on the local traders and the market of Katra: Trap of fraud: Devotees buy silver umbrellas, crowns and coins from the shops with great devotion, but the shopkeepers are selling them ‘poisonous metal’ in the name of silver. Transparency of the Shrine Board: After this revelation, questions are also being raised on the transparency of the temple administration and the process of checking the offerings. Opposition parties have demanded that there should be a high-level investigation into this entire syndicate. DNA’s advice to the devotees has warned the devotees that instead of offering metal items in the temple, they should buy coins or donate cash from the official counters of the Shrine Board only, so that their hard-earned money and faith are not misused.