25/04/2026
Katara. The silver jewelry being offered at the Vaishno Devi shrine has been found to be fake. According to reports, out of the approximately 20 tons of silver jewelry sent by the shrine board to the government mint for melting, only 5 to 6 percent pure silver was recovered.
It was revealed that of the jewelry whose estimated value was assessed at around 550 crore rupees, only about 30 crore rupees worth was actual silver. During the investigation, the presence of large quantities of metals like cadmium came to light, which has made the entire matter even more serious.
The Gold and Silver Merchants Association of Katara and Jammu Province held an important press conference in Katara regarding the alleged fake silver items being offered at the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. In the press conference, association officials expressed concern over this serious issue connected to the devotees' faith and demanded that the administration launch a strict inspection campaign in the market.
According to the organizational meeting document issued along with the press conference, this was a formal meeting attended by several senior officials and members from the Jammu Province and Katara units. The meeting was chaired by Sudarshan Kumar Kohli, President of the Gold and Silver Merchants Association Katara.
During this time, Vinay Luthra (Secretary, Jammu Province), Ashutosh Kapoor, Ajay Verma, Amit Heera, Raman Verma, Sohit, along with many other members, were present. A total of 17 members' signatures and contact details were recorded on the meeting document, reflecting the organization's unity on this issue.
Cases of fake metals being mixed in jewelry have come to light
Association officials stated that in recent days, cases have emerged of fake metals being mixed in the silver jewelry and religious items being offered at the temple.
They said that some unregistered vendors are selling fake silver products to devotees by luring them with low prices, which is not only hurting the devotees' sentiments but also damaging the reputation of local registered goldsmiths.
Addressing an appeal to the devotees, they said that before offering items at the Mother's court, they must ensure the purity of the goods and make purchases only from authorized and certified shopkeepers.
The association also raised a demand with the administration, police, and relevant departments to jointly conduct inspection campaigns in the market and take strict legal action against the culprits.
