The Kerala High Court has ordered a vigilance probe into the alleged disappearance of 4.45 kg of gold from the Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple. The court's concern arose from a discrepancy in the weight of gold-clad copper plates used on the 'Dwarapalaka' idols.

In 2019, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the temple, removed the gold-plated copper plates for repairs. At that time, the plates weighed 42.8 kg. The plates were then entrusted to Smart Creations, a Chennai-based firm, for re-plating, sponsored by a devotee. However, when the plates arrived in Chennai, their weight had decreased to 38.25 kg. After the re-plating, the weight only increased to 38.65 kg, still significantly less than the original weight. This discrepancy raised concerns about the missing gold. The current market value of 4 kg of gold is approximately Rs 4.37 crore. Another report indicates that the missing gold is worth approximately 5 crore rupees.

The High Court expressed serious concern over the "strange and worrying" issue. Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and KV Jayakumar noted the TDB's failure to report the discrepancy when the plates were handed over. They questioned why the weight wasn't verified again after the plates were reinstalled at the temple. The court emphasized that the sanctity and trust associated with temple management cannot be compromised and that transparency and accountability are paramount.

The court has directed the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer of the TDB, who holds the rank of Superintendent of Police, to conduct a thorough investigation. The officer must examine all relevant records and submit a detailed report within three weeks. The TDB has been instructed to fully cooperate with the vigilance probe. The court has instructed that all registers and records be handed over to vigilance officers for detailed examination.

The court also pointed out that the TDB removed the gold-plated copper plates for repairs without informing the temple's Special Commissioner or the court. Furthermore, the sponsor of the re-plating, claimed that the pedestal of the idol coverings was also unaccounted for. The court deemed the explanations offered by both the sponsor and Smart Creations as inadequate.

The Sabarimala gold plating project, intended to preserve and embellish the sanctum, has already faced scrutiny regarding its cost and execution. These new revelations have further heightened doubts about the monitoring and safeguarding of temple wealth.