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Sabarimala Gold Scam: LoP Satheesan Demands Minister's Resignation Amid Fraud

The political storm over the Sabarimala gold scam has intensified with strong demands for accountability. Leader of Opposition Satheesan is calling for immediate resignations following serious High Court observations. The scandal involves replacement of original gold temple plates with fake copper sheets dating back to 2019. Despite previous fraud allegations, the current TDB leadership reassigned work to the same accused individual in 2025.

Key Points: Satheesan Demands Vasavan Resign Over Sabarimala Gold Scam

  • Kerala High Court observations highlight serious violations in Sabarimala gold scam case
  • Original gold-plated Dwarapalaka plates replaced with fake copper in 2019
  • TDB reassigned work to arrested accused Potti despite knowing earlier fraud
  • Devaswom Commissioner's objections overruled within a week by TDB President
2 min read

Devasom Minister should resign, TDB members should be kicked out: LoP Satheesan

Kerala LoP Satheesan demands Devasom Minister Vasavan's resignation and TDB dismissal over Sabarimala gold scam involving fake copper plates replacing temple gold.

Devasom Minister should resign, TDB members should be kicked out: LoP Satheesan
"This is not negligence, it is an organized looting of temple gold. The Minister must resign immediately, and the entire Board must be kicked out. - LoP Satheesan"

Palakkad, Oct 22

The political storm over the Sabarimala gold scam intensified on Wednesday, with the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Satheesan demanding the resignation of the current Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan and the dismissal of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).

Satheesan said based on the latest observations of the Kerala High Court which have “underlined the seriousness” of the allegations, V.N. Vasavan should quit and the TDB should be dismissed.

Elaborating on the scam, Satheesan said the fraud dates back to 2019, when original gold-plated Dwarapalaka plates were allegedly replaced with fake copper sheets and the originals sold to private parties.

“The then TDB leadership, along with ‘sponsor’ Unnikrishnan Potti, (presently under arrest) was already under the scanner. The current Board acted with full knowledge of this earlier scam when it reassigned work to the same Potti in 2025,” said Satheesan.

He also highlighted contradictions in the the Devaswom Commissioner’s actions.

“On July 30, the Commissioner had reportedly objected to assigning gold plating work to outsiders and warned against trusting a private agency. However, just a week later, the position was reversed and the work was given to Potti again, allegedly after intervention from the current TDB President,” added LoP Satheesan.

The High Court, in its recent interim observations, noted that the Board violated both Devaswom manuals and earlier court orders while allowing the plates to be moved out.

The court also pointed out that had it not intervened, the Dwarapalaka plates taken out in 2025 might also have been sold.

“This is not negligence, it is an organized looting of temple gold. The Minister must resign immediately, and the entire Board must be kicked out,” added Satheesan.

He further alleged that the President of the Devaswom Board “played a direct role” in overruling the Commissioner’s objections.

“If officials are accused, why is the President still in office?” the leader asked.

Incidentally P.S. Prasanth the present TDB President is a CPI-M leader.

Earlier, he was a top district leader in the Congress party and had unsuccessfully contested in the 2021 Assembly polls from his home constituency in the capital district.

Soon after Prasanth lost the polls, he dumped the Congress party and joined the CPI-M. Soon, thereafter, he was made the President of the TDB.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who visits Sabarimala every year, this news breaks my heart. How can they play with people's faith like this? The High Court observations are very serious - immediate action needed.
P
Priya S
The political angle here is concerning. The TDB President switching parties and then getting this position raises many questions. This isn't about politics - it's about protecting our temples from corruption.
M
Michael C
While I agree corruption must be addressed, let's not jump to conclusions without proper investigation. The court has made observations, but due process should be followed. Both sides should present their case properly.
A
Ananya R
This is why temple administration should be completely transparent! Devotees contribute their hard-earned money with so much faith. Giving work to the same person who was involved in earlier scam? Unbelievable! 😡
V
Vikram M
The Commissioner objected but was overruled? This shows complete breakdown of systems. Whether it's Congress or CPI-M, temple administration should be above politics. Complete overhaul needed!

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