In the alleged ₹ 550-crore “fake silver offerings” controversy at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Jammu and Kashmir Police informed a local court that statements from key Shrine Board officials—deemed necessary for a full inquiry—have not been recorded yet.
During the hearing, complainant advocate Deepak Sharma appeared in person, while assistant public prosecutor filed the DSP’s report. The court placed the report on record and perused it. The J&K Police also said that a 116 pages document of official records, substantial CCTV and other electronic data concerning the collection, segregation, storage, transportation and processing of the metal offerings have been received and have been investigated. The information was shared in a status report submitted by the deputy superintendent of police (DSP), Bhawan, before the court of the chief judicial magistrate, Jammu, on September 19.
Statements of officials of the Shrine Board, pujaris (priests), CRPF personnel deployed at Bhawan, J&K Police officials and Shrine Board security personnel have already been recorded, according to the status report. “The police have now formally placed before the court that substantial documentary and electronic evidence has been obtained, that several categories of officials and security personnel have been examined, and that the statements of senior Shrine Board officials considered necessary for a comprehensive inquiry are still to be recorded,” Advocate Deepak Sharma said.
Noting that the investigating officer had sought additional time for completing the inquiry, the court granted further time on the basis of the facts and grounds stated in the report and permitted the DSP to proceed with the probe. The matter has now been listed for October 10, 2026.
The proceedings stems from advocate Sharma’s complaint seeking registration of an FIR and a fair investigation into the alleged adulteration, substitution, pilferage and possible misappropriation of approximately 20 tonnes of silver offerings made by devotees at the revered Hindu Shrine, reportedly valued at around ₹ 550 crore.
