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Key Points

Kerala's Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan has made serious allegations about the Sabarimala temple gold theft. He claims the original gold-plated Dwarapalaka plates were stolen and sold for crores of rupees. The Devaswom Board and government are accused of covering up the scandal despite knowing the truth. Satheesan is demanding immediate resignations and accountability for what he calls a violation of temple sanctity.

Key Points: Satheesan Demands Vijayan Govt Answer Sabarimala Gold Theft

  • High Court findings confirm Opposition's charge of temple gold theft and fraud
  • Original gold plates replaced with copper moulds and sold for crores
  • Devaswom Board accused of deliberately ignoring weight difference in returned items
  • Satheesan demands resignation of Devaswom Minister and Board dismissal
2 min read

'Sabarimala gold stolen, sold for crores', Kerala LoP Satheesan seeks answers from Vijayan govt

Kerala LoP V.D. Satheesan accuses CPI(M) government of covering up Sabarimala temple gold theft where original Dwarapalaka plates were sold for crores.

"The original gold-plated Dwarapalaka plates were taken out of the temple and sold at a high price - V.D. Satheesan"

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 7

Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Kerala Assembly, V.D. Satheesan, on Tuesday said the gold of the famed Sabarimala temple’s Dwarapalaka plates was sold for crores of rupees with the approval of the Devaswom Board and the government.

Speaking to reporters soon after the day’s session in the Kerala Legislative Assembly was wound up following the protests by the Congress-led Opposition, Satheesan said the High Court’s findings had confirmed the Opposition’s long-standing charge that a “grave act of theft and sale” had taken place at Sabarimala.

“The court has made it clear that what occurred was a serious fraud. The original gold-plated Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) plates were taken out of the temple and sold at a high price, while a copper mould was sent to Chennai in their place. When it was brought back, the Devaswom Board pretended not to notice the difference in weight,” he said.

Satheesan alleged that the Board and the government deliberately covered up the theft because senior officials would otherwise have been implicated.

“Knowing everything, they re-appointed the same Unnikrishnan Potti in 2015 for the next round of gold work,” added Satheesan.

The Opposition, he said, therefore demanded the resignation of the Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan and the dismissal of the Board.

The High Court’s criticism, Satheesan said, underlined that the Opposition’s concerns were legitimate.

He cited an email sent by Potti to then Board president N. Vasu, asking for leftover temple gold to be used for the wedding of a woman who needed support.

“That was Ayyappan’s gold. Vasu, who has CPI(M) connections, cannot claim ignorance,” Satheesan said, adding that the ruling party must reveal in whose mansion the original idol now rests.

He also accused the government of hypocrisy in invoking judicial authority. “Three present-day Ministers who once insulted and drove out Chief Justice V.K. Bali for ordering a CBI probe in the Lavalin case are now preaching respect for the courts,” he said.

Satheesan said protests would continue “inside and outside the House until accountability is fixed”.

“The Sabarimala sanctity has been violated, devotees deceived, and public trust broken,” he declared. “Those at the top must answer for the theft that has shamed the state.”

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who visited Sabarimala last year, this news breaks my heart. The authorities responsible should be held accountable regardless of their political connections. Justice must prevail for the millions of devotees.
P
Priya S
While the allegations are serious, I hope we don't see this becoming another political blame game. Let the investigation proceed properly and the truth come out. Both sides should cooperate for the sake of devotees.
M
Michael C
The fact that the same person was reappointed in 2015 despite these issues shows systematic failure. This isn't just about gold - it's about the integrity of our religious institutions. 😠
A
Ananya R
My family has been visiting Sabarimala for generations. This news has deeply hurt us. The government must ensure proper security and transparency in temple management. Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa!
V
Vikram M
The High Court findings are clear - this was organized theft. The opposition is right to demand resignations. When will our politicians learn that temples are not their personal property?
K
Kavya N
While the government should certainly answer these allegations, I wish the opposition had shown similar urgency in other important matters too. Selective outrage doesn't help anyone.

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