The Kerala High Court’s directive to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has intensified scrutiny over the alleged loss of 4.54 kg of gold from Sabarimala’s Dwarapalaka idols, marking one of the most high-profile temple-related investigations in recent years. Led by Additional Director General of Police H Venkatesh, the SIT is tasked with conducting a court-monitored probe involving senior police officers, with a strict one-month deadline and instructions to avoid media interactions, underscoring the sensitivity of the case.
The controversy centers on discrepancies reported during gold-plating work carried out by the Chennai-based firm ‘Smart Creations’ under the sponsorship of devotee Unnikrishnan Potti. While the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) reportedly handed over 42.8 kg of gold-plated items for the repair, only 38 kg were received by the firm, leaving 4.54 kg unaccounted for. Previous investigations have also recovered some gold-plated pedhams from Potti’s sister’s residence, adding complexity to the probe. Historical records indicate the first gold-plating sponsorship dates back to 1998, involving industrialist Vijay Mallya.
The High Court further permitted the vigilance officer to inspect the Sabarimala strong room and compare the current idols with 2019 photographs to identify all discrepancies. Retired Justice KT Sankaran has been appointed to oversee a full inventory of the temple’s valuables, addressing prior inaccuracies in TDB records.
Meanwhile, the political fallout has been swift. The Congress-led opposition UDF staged a protest in the Kerala Assembly, demanding the resignation of Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan over alleged lapses in oversight. UDF legislators disrupted the Question Hour and accused certain TDB officials of longstanding collusion with the government. Opposition leader VD Satheesan called for a CBI investigation, alleging systemic wrongdoing.
In response, Minister Vasavan stressed that the Devaswom Vigilance is already conducting an investigation under the High Court’s supervision and assured that all matters from 1998 to 2025 will be examined thoroughly. He confirmed that four kilograms of gold recovered from Potti’s residence have been verified and emphasized that the government will not interfere in Sabarimala’s daily affairs. The Assembly proceedings are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, amid continued political tension surrounding the case.
