Kerala High Court Orders SIT Probe Into Missing Gold From Sabarimala Temple Dwarapalaka Idols

The Kerala High Court has directed a court-monitored investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into allegations of missing gold from the gold-plated copper plates covering the Dwarapalaka (door guardian) idols at Sabarimala temple.

The directive was issued by a Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice KV Jayakumar in the suo motu case, reported Bar & Bench.

The Bench appointed Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) H Venkatesh to head the SIT, with Assistant Director (Administration) Sasidharan S IPS leading the inquiry.

The team will include officers from the State Police, including inspectors and assistant sub-inspectors.

“We are of the view that a special team of officers of highest integrity are required to probe into this matter,” the Court stated, adding that the investigation must be completed within one month.

The order follows revelations that the contractor responsible for the gold plating had emailed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president seeking permission to use “leftover gold” for a wedding.

Reports indicated that 42.8 kg of items were handed over for repair, but the firm’s records showed only 38 kg received, a discrepancy of 4.54 kg.

The Court took a serious view of the missing gold and instructed the Chief Vigilance Officer to allow the SIT to proceed with the investigation.

The vigilance team had earlier seized gold-plated pedhams from the home of Mini, sister of the sponsor Unnikrishnan Potti, and noted irregularities in TDB registers.

Acknowledging wider procedural lapses, the Court also appointed retired judge Justice KT Sankaran to supervise an inventory of all valuables at Sabarimala, emphasising that the alleged conspiracy extended beyond individuals to include officials responsible for handling temple assets.

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