Kerala: Sabarimala Gold Heist: 4kg Vanished?
Shocking Revelations Emerge
Devotees of Lord Ayyappa have been left stunned by the unfolding scandal at Kerala’s iconic Sabarimala temple. Reports indicate a significant shortfall in gold used for plating sacred idols and structures, sparking widespread concern.
The issue came to light when discrepancies surfaced in restoration work handled by a key donor, prompting swift judicial intervention.
The Missing Gold Details
Investigations point to nearly 4.25 kilograms of gold gone missing from panels of the dwarapalaka idols and the sanctum’s door frame. This occurred after the items were taken for repairs in 2019 and stored at external workshops.
Weight checks revealed alterations, leading to charges of theft and forgery against those involved.
Prime Suspect in Spotlight
Bengaluru resident Unnikrishnan Potti, a former junior priest with no steady income, stands accused as the main figure. He secured the contract to oversee gold plating by posing as a generous sponsor.
Probes show he claimed credit for donations actually made by others, raising questions about his true backers.
Dubious Donations Uncovered
Vigilance reports highlight how Potti fronted contributions from various sources:
- Kamakshi Enterprises transferred Rs 10.85 lakh for community services.
- Ballari businessman Govardhan funded a gold-plated door, while Bengaluru’s Ajikumar covered shrine mat plating.
- In 2017, he was linked to Rs 8.2 lakh cash, 17 tons of rice, and 30 tons of vegetables for temple feasts.
SIT Probe Intensifies
The Kerala High Court ordered a Special Investigation Team to dig deeper, resulting in FIRs against 10 individuals. This includes nine Travancore Devaswom Board officials and Potti, with links traced to a Hyderabad jeweller named Nagesh.
Recent actions involve summoning suspects and inspecting workshops in Chennai for evidence.
Political and Broader Impacts
Former board presidents with ties to the ruling Left front now face scrutiny, adding a layer of political tension. The case references 1998 records from Vijay Mallya’s firm for gold quantities used in prior work.
As the inquiry widens, it underscores vulnerabilities in temple asset management, urging stronger oversight.