The Sabarimala gold controversy in Kerala has deepened, drawing increased scrutiny and demands for accountability, with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor highlighting "shocking" details and calling for a thorough investigation into alleged misappropriations. The controversy revolves around missing gold donations, questionable fundraising practices, and allegations of misconduct involving officials and intermediaries associated with the revered Sabarimala temple.
The issue gained traction after Unnikrishnan Potti, who identified himself as a sponsor of gold plating and community meals at Sabarimala, claimed that gold-plated plaques he donated in 2019 had gone missing. These plaques were later found at his sister's home in Thiruvananthapuram, casting suspicion on Potti's motives. Despite denying any wrongdoing, Potti admitted to collecting significant sums from devotees across India in the name of temple service, raising concerns about the transparency of temple fund management.
Adding to the complexity, a report from the Travancore Devaswom Board's (TDB) vigilance wing suggested that officials may have assisted Potti, further fueling the controversy. Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan has strongly criticized the situation, labeling the developments as "fraud and theft" and accusing successive governments and Devaswom Board leadership of shielding those involved. Satheesan pointed out that the gold plating, which had a 40-year warranty, was removed after only 20 years without court approval, and a shortfall in the returned gold has been confirmed by the Board's own findings.
The opposition-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has formally requested a CBI investigation into the matter, emphasizing that Ayyappa devotees deserve to know the truth. UDF convener Adoor Prakash stated that only the CBI can deliver impartial justice in this case.
Adding another layer to the controversy is the long-standing mystery surrounding over 30 kg of gold donated by businessman Vijay Mallya in 1998.
Recent developments include the Kerala High Court's order to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by ADGP H Venkatesh, to investigate the alleged discrepancies in the weight and value of gold-clad plates covering the 'dwarapalaka' idols at the Sabarimala temple. The court's intervention followed a report indicating preliminary evidence of gold misappropriation from the 'dwarapalaka' gold-clad sheets over several years, potentially involving local Devaswom officials. The court also noted that the gold-clad copper sheets were handed over to a priest-turned-businessman for repairs in Chennai without the necessary permissions.
Further investigation revealed that the gold-clad sheets sent for repairs in 2019 had decreased in weight by approximately 4.5 kg upon their return to the Devaswom authorities. The individual who volunteered to fund the repairs and transported the sheets to Chennai in both 2019 and recently was Unnikrishnan Potty.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the Sabarimala temple, is an autonomous body receiving grants and funds from the state to oversee approximately 1200 temples in Kerala. TDB president PS Prashanth has welcomed the High Court's directions and assured full support for a court-supervised inquiry.
Shashi Tharoor has described the Sabarimala gold controversy as "shocking," alleging large-scale siphoning of gold under the Kerala government. He has welcomed the High Court-monitored SIT probe, emphasizing the need for strict accountability as more disturbing details emerge. Tharoor has also criticized the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government and demanded accountability in the alleged gold theft case.
The controversy has sparked protests and political unrest, with the Congress-led UDF demanding the resignation of Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan and a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities. Opposition members disrupted assembly proceedings, leading to temporary adjournments. The issue has raised concerns about transparency, legal oversight, and accountability in the management of sacred institutions in India.
The Kerala High Court has appointed former judge KT Sankaran to prepare an inventory of temple valuables and directed the temple vigilance officer to investigate all malpractices at the temple. The court questioned the decision to send valuables to a Chennai-based firm for repairs and ordered their immediate return to the temple.
