Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, November 20, 2024, West Medinipur :An ancient tunnel has been uncovered during excavation work for a new house in the Rajballabh area of Pingla block, Paschim Medinipur district, drawing significant attention from locals and authorities alike. The discovery occurred on Tuesday morning when workers digging the foundation for a pucca house belonging to Anima Ghosh encountered a tunnel made from lime, lead, and thin bricks. Early assessments suggest the tunnel could be part of a much older structure, potentially the remains of a temple or a landlord’s residence from the region’s zamindari period.

Anima Ghosh, whose family has lived in the area for generations, described the moment of discovery. “We have been here since the time of our grandfathers. As the digging for the house foundation progressed, we suddenly spotted a tunnel inside the hole, along with remnants of a staircase nearby. We immediately stopped the work,” she explained.

The news of the discovery spread rapidly, attracting a crowd of curious villagers and residents from surrounding areas. Local reports suggest the tunnel spans approximately 15 feet in length. Some residents speculate that it could be linked to the Sridhar Temple, which dates back to the zamindari era. Anima herself recalled hearing stories from older family members about the presence of zamindars in the area, further fueling the belief that this structure might be part of a historical house or temple from that time.

As the discovery gained widespread attention, local authorities acted swiftly. The Pingla block administration halted further construction, and both the police and the Block Development Officer arrived at the scene to assess the situation. Experts have been contacted to conduct tests on soil and brick samples to determine the origins and significance of the find.

This unexpected discovery has captured the imagination of the local community, offering a potential glimpse into the area’s rich historical past. As investigations unfold, all eyes are now on what the excavation might reveal, with many eager to uncover the full story behind this ancient tunnel.