Karnataka Family Finds Gold 'Treasure' at Building Site, Sparks Ownership Debate

• The Ritti family in Lakkundi, Gadag district, unearthed a copper pot with 466 gm of gold ornaments while digging for a new house foundation.
• The family promptly reported the find to local authorities, leading to the site being declared restricted and construction halted.
• Researchers and ASI officials suggest the ornaments are 11th-12th century, likely ancestral property, not ancient treasure, due to simple design.
• The family, now displaced and facing hardship, demands the gold's return or alternative land and housing assistance from the government.
• Under Indian law, items over 100 years old become government property (finder gets 20%), while newer finds are subject to district collector's decision.

Why It Matters: A Karnataka family's gold find sparks a debate over ownership, ancestral property, and government aid.