NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Kerala BJP has escalated pressure on the state government over the Sabarimala gold heist scandal. Party leaders met the Governor to demand an external investigation into the alleged theft of sacred gold plates. The Devaswom Vigilance report suggests significant irregularities in the handling of temple artifacts. The controversy threatens to overshadow the upcoming temple festival season, which is crucial for the Devaswom Board's revenue.

Key Points: BJP Demands External Probe into Sabarimala Gold Heist Scandal

  • BJP demands independent investigation into Sabarimala gold plate theft
  • Devaswom Vigilance report validates opposition allegations
  • Gold plates sent to Chennai in violation of manual
  • Controversy emerges before crucial temple festival season
2 min read

BJP leaders meet Kerala Guv, demand probe into Sabarimala gold heist by external body

Kerala BJP leaders meet Governor, alleging Sabarimala gold plate theft involving Devaswom Board and political leadership

"Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is also the Home Minister, and the SIT investigating the matter consists of Kerala Police officials. - Rajeev Chandrasekhar"

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 13

BJP leaders on Monday called on Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar to brief him on the Sabarimala gold plating scam, demanding a probe by an external agency.

Speaking to the media outside Raj Bhavan, Kerala unit BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said: "Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is also the Home Minister, and the SIT investigating the matter consists of Kerala Police officials. We have briefed the Governor on the entire issue and stressed the need for an independent investigation."

Chandrasekhar was accompanied by former BJP president Kummanam Rajasekharan, Union Minister V. Muraleedharan, and other senior state leaders.

Earlier, the BJP youth wing staged a two-hour protest outside the state secretariat demanding the resignation of State Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan and the Devaswom Board.

The protest drew large crowds, including young women, and clashes with police saw the use of water cannons and left many activists injured.

The call for an independent probe comes after the Devaswom Vigilance submitted a report to the Kerala High Court, validating opposition allegations regarding the Sabarimala gold heist and the sale of the Dwarapalaka plates to a billionaire.

According to the report, in 2019, gold plates from Sabarimala were sent to Chennai in violation of the Devaswom manual.

The items sent were fake molds, while the original Dwarapalaka plates was sold with the knowledge and support of both the Devaswom Board and political leadership.

The report further notes that in 2025, the Devaswom Board bypassed instructions from the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner and handed over keys to the individual who eventually sold the plates.

Former Devaswom President A. Padmakumar, a CPI-M legislator at the time, and the political leadership are said to have been complicit.

Sabarimala Temple is one of the biggest revenue earners for the Devasom Board and this controversy has taken place at a time when the two month long festival season opens in the third week of November.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
BJP is right to demand external probe. When CM himself is Home Minister, how can we trust state police investigation? This smells like cover-up. The timing before festival season makes it even more suspicious.
S
Sarah B
As someone who visits Sabarimala every year, this news breaks my heart 💔. The gold offerings represent our devotion and faith. Selling them to billionaires? This is criminal! Hope justice is served soon.
A
Arjun K
While I agree investigation should be fair, using water cannons on protestors was unnecessary. Both sides should maintain peace. The focus should be on finding the truth, not political drama.
M
Michael C
The Devaswom Board needs complete overhaul. This isn't the first controversy. Temple administration should be transparent and accountable to devotees, not politicians. Maybe time for professional management?
K
Kavya N
Sending fake molds to Chennai while selling originals? This is straight out of a Bollywood movie! 🎬 But seriously, this shows the level of corruption. Hope the courts take strict action against all involved.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50