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Crisis at Sabarimala: New TDB President Vows Transparency Amid Gold Theft

Retired IAS officer K Jayakumar has officially taken charge as the new president of the Travancore Devaswom Board. He immediately addressed the ongoing crisis surrounding the Sabarimala gold theft case that has shaken devotees' faith. The new leader promised complete transparency in all board operations and strict action against any irregularities. This appointment comes amid multiple arrests including former TDB president N Vasu in connection with the gold theft investigation.

Key Points: K Jayakumar Takes Oath as Travancore Devaswom Board President

  • New president pledges complete transparency in all temple board operations
  • Former TDB president N Vasu arrested in Sabarimala gold theft case
  • SIT investigation reveals serious irregularities in board minutes
  • Gold plating controversy involves 30kg gold donation from Vijay Mallya
2 min read

Retired IAS K Jayakumar takes oath as newly appointed Travancore Devaswom Board president

Retired IAS officer K Jayakumar assumes TDB leadership amid Sabarimala gold theft crisis, promising transparency and strict action against irregularities.

"It is a fact that there is a crisis of faith among devotees. Recent reports have caused distress, and we cannot allow such a situation to persist. - K Jayakumar"

Thiruvananthapuram, November 15

Retired IAS K. Jayakumar on Saturday took oath as the newly appointed President of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).

Speaking to reporters, Jayakumar assured transparency in operations amid the ongoing crisis over the Sabarimala gold theft case.

"It is a fact that there is a crisis of faith among devotees. Recent reports have caused distress, and we cannot allow such a situation to persist. Transparency will be assured in all operations. Any gaps through which lapses have occurred will be eliminated," the retired bureaucrat said.

"Where strict action is necessary, it will be taken. Unauthorised activities will be controlled. Decisions regarding sponsors will be made after due discussions," he added.

Former TDB president N Vasu was arrested in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case, said Kerala Director General of Police Ravada Chandrasekhar.

The state's top cop confirmed the development, as Vasu had been questioned earlier by the Special Investigation Team. Vasu is listed as the third accused in the case.

On November 7, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kerala Crime Branch arrested former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner KS Baiju in connection with a gold theft case.

Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused, was reportedly taken into custody by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on October 17. The SIT, which is investigating the matter, submitted its second report to the Kerala High Court, revealing serious irregularities in the minutes of the Travancore Devaswom Board.

According to the SIT report, the record book does not include details about the transfer of the dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idol to Unnikrishnan Potti in 2019.

The Sabarimala gold controversy involves allegations of irregularities regarding the gold plating work at the Sabarimala temple.

This situation arose from a donation of 30.3 kilograms of gold and 1,900 kilograms of copper by industrialist Vijay Mallya in 1998, intended for the cladding of the sanctum sanctorum and the wooden carvings of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple in Kerala.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Another retired bureaucrat appointment? 🤔 While I appreciate his experience, we need fresh blood who understand modern temple management. The system needs complete overhaul, not just changing faces.
A
Arjun K
The fact that the record book doesn't show transfer of dwarapalaka idol is shocking! How can such important temple assets be handled so casually? Hope Jayakumar sir takes strict action against all involved.
S
Sarah B
As someone who visited Sabarimala last year, the devotion of pilgrims is incredible. It's heartbreaking to see such mismanagement of temple funds and assets. Hope the new leadership restores faith.
V
Vikram M
The arrest of former president N Vasu shows how deep the corruption runs. 30kg gold donation from Mallya and now this scandal? Temple administration needs complete digitalization and public audit.
M
Michael C
Good to see action being taken. The involvement of multiple officials shows this was systematic. Hope the new president ensures proper documentation and accountability for all temple activities.

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