Only two items in Monson's possession have archaeological value, many including Sabarimala 'chembola' are fake

KOCHI: An inspection report has revealed that the Sabarimala 'chembola' (copper manuscript) in the possession of Monson, the accused in the antiques fraud case, is not an antique. The Crime Branch received the inspection report of the Archaeological Survey of India regarding this. Ten items from the museum were sent for inspection, of which, only two coins and a spear were found to be antiques.

The items seized from Monson's home were sent for expert examination on December 29. It was examined by experts from the Archaeological Department in Chennai and Bengaluru. Ten items, including an idol of Nataraja, coins, a copper plate manuscript and a staff, were found in Monson's house. Two of the items were found to be of archaeological value. Only two silver coins have archaeological value in this test. Monson claimed it as a coin taken by Judas to betray Jesus. The Archaeological Survey of India has also found a wooden spear in Monson's museum to be of archaeological value.