Sabarimala – BJP Seeks Tough Action in Temple Gold Case
Sabarimala – The probe into the alleged gold misappropriation at the Sabarimala temple has taken a sharper political turn, with senior BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan calling for firm measures against those accused in the case. He has urged the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to pursue the matter without hesitation, alleging that certain Congress leaders had close ties with individuals under investigation.
Rajasekharan specifically referred to Congress MP Adoor Prakash, claiming that his associations with some of the accused warrant deeper scrutiny. He argued that any connection between elected representatives and those implicated in the case should be examined carefully to ensure transparency.
Call for Comprehensive Investigation
Speaking on the issue, Rajasekharan said the alleged theft had deeply hurt devotees across Kerala. According to him, the SIT must ensure that every aspect of the case is thoroughly examined and that those found responsible face appropriate legal consequences. He described the controversy as one that affects public trust in the administration of temple affairs and called for an impartial and time-bound inquiry.
The SIT has been investigating allegations that gold meant for temple works was diverted. Officials have been questioning individuals linked to the temple’s administrative and operational processes during the period under scrutiny.
Congress Leaders Under Spotlight
The controversy has widened beyond the temple administration, drawing attention to political figures in the state. Kerala Health Minister Veena George recently described allegations against Congress MP Anto Antony as serious. Antony has been accused of not repaying Rs 2 crore borrowed from a finance firm during his 2019 Lok Sabha campaign. George urged the Congress party to clarify its position regarding the matter.
Meanwhile, Adoor Prakash appeared before SIT officials at the Crime Branch office in Thiruvananthapuram for questioning. After the session, he stated that he had responded to all queries raised by investigators. Prakash also said that no questions were put to him regarding his personal financial transactions and that it was up to the investigating officers to assess the adequacy of his responses.
Enforcement Directorate Steps In
The Enforcement Directorate has also entered the case, summoning Unnikrishnan Potti, identified as the main accused, for detailed interrogation. Potti was recently granted statutory bail by the Kollam Vigilance Court in connection with the ongoing probe. The case is being handled by a Special Investigation Team constituted to examine alleged irregularities in temple renovation and gold-plating works.
Investigators allege that gold was unlawfully removed from sacred structures within the Sabarimala temple complex, including the Dwarapalaka idols, the sanctum sanctorum, pillars, and door frames. Three other former temple officials — Murari Babu, Sudeesh Kumar, and S Sreekumar — have also secured bail.
Allegations Linked to Renovation Works
The case centers on claims that around 4.54 kilograms of gold went missing during renovation and re-gold-plating activities carried out in 2019. The work reportedly involved refinishing portions of the temple’s inner structures, including the Sreekovil door frames and idol coverings.
The controversy traces back to a 1998 donation by industrialist Vijay Mallya, who contributed 30.3 kilograms of gold and 1,900 kilograms of copper for gold plating at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. Subsequent reviews and court-monitored examinations reportedly found discrepancies between the donated quantity and the gold said to have been utilized for temple works.
As the investigation progresses, authorities face mounting pressure to provide clarity on the missing gold and to determine accountability. The outcome of the probe is expected to have wider implications for temple administration and political discourse in Kerala.