NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Kerala High Court has stepped in to address the growing controversy surrounding missing gold plates at Sabarimala temple. A special investigation team led by a senior police officer will now examine the discrepancies and submit its findings within 30 days. Meanwhile, the state assembly witnessed chaotic scenes as opposition members demanded a CBI investigation and ministerial resignations. The Devaswom Minister has welcomed the court's intervention while maintaining that the government has no direct involvement in temple financial matters.

Key Points: Kerala HC Orders SIT Probe Into Sabarimala Gold Plating Row

  • SIT led by ADGP H. Venkatesh must submit investigation report within one month
  • Opposition protested in Assembly demanding CBI probe and minister's resignation
  • Vigilance report revealed alarming discrepancy in gold quantity at temple
  • Devaswom Minister claims government has no role in temple financial matters
2 min read

Kerala HC orders SIT probe into Sabarimala gold plating row

Kerala High Court mandates SIT investigation into missing Sabarimala temple gold plates, with report due in one month amid political protests and demands for CBI probe.

"Ayyappan's gold swallowed by temple officials - Opposition Protest Banner"

Kochi/Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 6

The Kerala High Court on Monday ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the Sabarimala gold-plating controversy, mandating that the investigation report be submitted within a month and emphasising that it should not be made public.

The SIT will be led by ADGP H. Venkatesh and will comprise five members, signalling the judiciary’s direct intervention in the growing temple row.

The High Court directive came after it went through the report of the Devasom Vigilance, which pointed out that there is an alarming discrepancy in the quantity of gold.

The controversy sparked a stormy session in the Kerala Assembly on Monday, as the Congress-led Opposition protested over the alleged disappearance of gold plates used in the Sabarimala temple’s sanctum sanctorum.

Opposition members trooped into the well carrying banners and shouting slogans, forcing Speaker A.N. Shamseer to suspend the Question Hour and temporarily adjourn proceedings. The banner read, “Ayyappan’s gold swallowed by temple officials”, prompting heated exchanges between Treasury and Opposition benches.

Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan alleged that part of the gold used for the temple’s golden covering had gone missing and demanded the resignation of Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan, accusing the government of refusing a full debate on the matter. As the Speaker tried to continue the Question Hour, Opposition legislators surrounded the chair, covered it with banners, and chanted “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa”, demanding a CBI probe into what they described as a serious breach of public trust involving the shrine.

Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal condemned the protest, calling it undemocratic and disrespectful, while Speaker Shamseer appealed for order.

Outside the Assembly, Satheesan reiterated that their demands include a CBI investigation into the gold fiasco and the resignation of both Minister Vasavan and the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president. Responding to the controversy, Minister V.N. Vasavan welcomed the High Court’s decision, assuring that the government fully supports the inquiry.

He clarified that neither the government nor the Devaswom has any role in the issue, emphasising that their responsibility is limited to facilitating support during the pilgrimage season. “The government does not take even a single rupee from the Devaswom Board; it only offers financial assistance,” Vasavan pointed out, adding that the Vigilance department is already probing the matter.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Why not CBI investigation? SIT might be influenced by local politics. This is about faith of millions of Ayyappa devotees across India.
A
Arjun K
The political drama in Assembly was unnecessary. Both sides should focus on finding the truth rather than scoring political points. Sabarimala is above politics.
S
Sarah B
As someone who visited Sabarimala last season, this news is disturbing. Temple administration needs complete overhaul. Devotees deserve better accountability.
V
Vikram M
The government saying they have no role is concerning. They appoint the Devaswom Board members! Complete transparency needed in temple administration across Kerala.
M
Michael C
Respectful criticism: The opposition's protest methods were disruptive, but their demand for accountability is valid. Hope the SIT delivers unbiased results within the timeline.
K
Kavya N
Every rupee and every gram of gold offered by devotees with so much faith... this mismanagement hurts deeply. Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa 🙏 Hope the truth comes out soon.

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