Bhubaneswar, April 9 -- The second phase of the Ratna Bhandar inventory began on Thursday at the Srimandir in Puri, with counting and verification of ornaments continuing as per schedule. The process, which commenced on Wednesday, is being carried out under close supervision of designated authorities.

The inventory process is being conducted in the presence of Ratna Bhandar supervisory committee chairman Justice Biswanath Rath and Srimandir Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee. As per the schedule, the counting will continue till April 11. It will resume again on April 13 and subsequently from April 16 to 18.

Officials indicated that the process is being undertaken in a phased manner to ensure systematic verification of all items stored ...