Coimbatore :

Workers deployed to clean an 85feet-deep well on the boundary of Kurichi Tank were in for a total surprise when they spotted a Panchaloha idol among the debris and silt that was being removed from the spot. The workers were deployed to clean and remove debris from the well before a pipeline was laid to supply well water to Kurichi residents to tide over summer scarcity. They were in for a bigger surprise when not only an idol but also a motorcycle was recovered from the debris.

The workers had noticed a portion of a two wheeler handle jutting out of the silt yesterday but did not realise that a whole motorcycle could be lying inside the well.

“Initially, nobody realised that it was a goddess idol as we thought it was some discarded metal piece but then when my workers realised it was an idol we were taken aback,” said R Manickam, private contractor in charge of cleaning the well.

The idol is a Panchaloha idol of a feminine deity. Both the idol and the vehicle were retrieved from the well and handed over to revenue and police department officials. Police and revenue department officials were notified as the well is situated on land under the ownership of Public Works Department (PWD).

“We were informed and have taken custody of the idol which will be now examined by experts from the archaeological department for more details to confirm its age and value,” said K Karpagam, district revenue officer, Coimbatore.

According to South Zone chairman of corporation, M Perumalsamy, the Panchaloha idol could be an antique as it had an inscription saying ‘Pu Subbannan Chettiyar Kainkaryam’ on its base. The archaeological experts are expected to examine the idol on Tuesday.

“It is quite heavy and weighs around 15 to 20 kg. It looked really old. The well is about 85ft deep and we have six feet of slush in it ,” said Perumalsamy.

The well, more than 20 years old, was earlier used to supply water to residents of Kurichi before it came under Coimbatore corporation limits. The proposal to use it to supply water was recently taken up to tide over the water crisis in summer. The green motorcycle has a number plate attached to it with registration number ‘TN37AH170’. The rear wheel of the vehicle is missing. It could have been dumped inside the well as it was lying open and was covered with iron grills about three months ago. The motorcycle is presently in the custody of Podanur police here in the city.

“A man had committed suicide about three months ago in the well and that is why it was decided to cover it,” Perumalsamy added.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Coimbatore / by Binoy Valsan,  TNN / April 01st, 2014