NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Sabarimala gold plate scam has escalated with the Crime Branch registering a case against 10 individuals, including a key sponsor and Devaswom Board officials. Preliminary investigations suggest major procedural violations during the gold plate transfer in July 2019. The special investigation team led by ADG H. Venkitesh will conduct scientific testing to determine the extent of potential theft and conspiracy. Political parties are demanding resignations and further action in this high-profile case.

Key Points: Sabarimala Gold Plate Scam Venkitesh Leads Crime Branch Probe

  • Crime Branch registers case against 10 people in Sabarimala temple gold scam
  • Preliminary findings reveal significant procedural breaches in gold plate transfer
  • Smart Creations firm under scrutiny for potential gold melting
  • High Court forms special investigation team to probe allegations
2 min read

Sabarimala gold plate scam: Crime Branch registers case against 10 people

Crime Branch investigates Sabarimala temple gold plate theft involving 10 suspects, revealing massive procedural violations and potential conspiracy

"The case involves major procedural violations during the transfer of gold plates - Crime Branch ADG H. Venkitesh"

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 11

The Crime Branch wing of the Kerala Police on Saturday formally registered a case in connection with the suspected gold plate scam at the Sabarimala temple.

Earlier, the Kerala High Court formed a special investigation team consisting of five Police officials under Crime Branch chief ADG of Police H. Venkitesh.

The case has now been handed over to Venkitesh for further action.

The 10 people who have been named in the case include 'sponsor' Unnikrishnan Potti, his aides, and officials of the Devaswom Board.

The charges include theft, forgery, breach of trust, and criminal conspiracy.

Preliminary findings point to major procedural violations during the transfer of the gold plates on July 19 and 20, 2019.

The Devaswom Vigilance report indicates collusion between officials and contractors.

The gold plates were reportedly moved from Kerala to Bengaluru and then Hyderabad within ten days, bypassing standard protocols.

While the initial Vigilance report cited 989 grams of gold as missing, subsequent findings suggest that the actual quantity could be far higher.

Mahazar records maintained by the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner indicate that the original plates may have been swapped or diverted.

The role of Smart Creations, the firm that handled the plating work, is now under scrutiny.

While the company claims it does not melt gold, it admitted to doing so on behalf of Potti, its regular client.

The SIT is expected to employ scientific testing to determine whether the original gold plates were melted or replaced.

The case, involving one of Kerala's most revered temples, is expected to widen further with more arrests and evidence-based action in the coming days.

Both the Congress-led UDF and the BJP, ever since the scam surfaced, have been demanding the resignation of the Devasom Minister V.N. Vasavan and the Devasom Board members.

The last four days of the assembly session ended in uproar, with the Congress-led UDF opposition raising this issue.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Moving gold plates from Kerala to Bengaluru to Hyderabad in 10 days - clearly a well-planned operation. The Devaswom Board officials involved should be suspended immediately. Trust broken completely.
S
Sarah B
As someone who visits Sabarimala every year, this news breaks my heart. The government needs to implement better security and transparency measures for temple assets. Devotees' faith shouldn't be exploited like this.
A
Arjun K
While the investigation is welcome, I hope this doesn't become another political drama. Both UDF and BJP are using this for political mileage instead of focusing on temple reforms. The focus should be on systemic changes.
M
Michael C
The fact that they're now saying the actual missing gold could be much more than 989 grams is alarming. This scam seems much bigger than initially thought. Hope the SIT gets to the bottom of this quickly.
K
Kavya N
Smart Creations admitting they melted gold for Potti despite claiming they don't do that? Clear evidence of conspiracy! 🙏 Hope the scientific testing reveals the complete truth. Justice for Sabarimala!

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