Kerala High Court Orders SIT for Missing Sabarimala Gold
The Kerala High Court has taken significant action regarding the missing gold plating from the Sabarimala temple, ordering a criminal investigation and the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). This decision follows the revelation of serious irregularities in the handling of temple property, particularly concerning the gold used for the temple’s Dwarapalaka sculptures.
Background of the Case
The court’s directive came after the Devaswom Vigilance wing submitted a sealed report detailing its findings. Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan and KV Jayakumar, who presided over the case, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation due to the discrepancies noted in the temple’s gold plating process. The report indicated that approximately 475 grams of gold went missing during the 2019 gold plating of the temple’s guardian deity sculptures.
Key Findings
Initial records indicated that the sculptures were copper-plated; however, further investigations revealed that gold had been used. The gold was entrusted to Unnikrishnan Potti, following instructions from the Devaswom Commissioner, for the plating process. Alarmingly, the official documentation signed by the temple Tantri inaccurately referenced copper sheets instead of gold, raising concerns about potential manipulation.
The court noted that while 14 sculptures were sent to Smart Creations in Bengaluru for gold plating, Potti instructed the removal of the gold plating before it was returned. Although Smart Creations claimed to have returned the gold to Potti, he failed to return it to the Travancore Devaswom Board, leading to suspicions of misappropriation.
Investigation and Oversight
The Vigilance inquiry highlighted several lapses, including discrepancies in the quantity of gold dispatched versus what was received for plating, as well as a significant delay in transportation. Additionally, a gold-plated sculpture’s missing pedestal was later found at Potti’s sister’s home, further complicating the matter. A letter from Potti suggested reusing gold from another sculpture to save costs, but the Vigilance team confirmed that no such extra sculpture existed.
The High Court described the situation as a “major breach involving temple property” and mandated that the State Police Chief oversee the investigation. The SIT, led by Additional Director General of Police H. Venkitesh, is required to register a criminal case promptly and provide progress reports every two weeks, with a final report due within six weeks.
Official Responses
In light of these developments, Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan assured that any wrongdoing within the Devaswom Board would be thoroughly investigated. He addressed calls for his resignation and that of former minister Kadakampally Surendran, stating that no formal charges had been filed against either individual. Vasavan emphasized that if any gold had been taken from Sabarimala, it would be returned, and strict legal action would follow.
FAQs
What prompted the High Court’s investigation into the Sabarimala temple?
The investigation was initiated due to serious irregularities reported in the handling of gold plating for the temple’s sculptures, leading to the discovery of missing gold.
Who is overseeing the investigation?
The investigation is being overseen by the State Police Chief, with a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Additional Director General of Police H. Venkitesh.
What are the next steps in the investigation?
The SIT is required to register a criminal case immediately and submit progress reports every two weeks, with a final report expected within six weeks.
Conclusion
The Kerala High Court’s order for a criminal investigation into the missing gold from the Sabarimala temple underscores the seriousness of the allegations. As the SIT begins its work, the focus will be on uncovering the truth behind the discrepancies and ensuring accountability for any wrongdoing. The situation remains dynamic, and further developments are anticipated in the coming weeks.
The Sabarimala temple, one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in India, attracts millions of devotees each year. The temple’s gold plating and its associated rituals hold significant cultural and religious importance, making the allegations of misappropriation particularly sensitive. The investigation’s findings could have broader implications for the management of temple assets and the accountability of religious institutions in Kerala.
The formation of the SIT is a response to growing public concern over the integrity of temple governance and the safeguarding of religious property. As the investigation unfolds, it may also prompt discussions about the need for enhanced oversight mechanisms within the Devaswom Board, which manages temple affairs, to prevent similar incidents in the future. The outcome of this case could influence public trust in religious institutions and their financial practices.
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