Sabarimala missing gold scandal deepens: CPM leader, ex-board members face probe

Sabarimala temple

A high-level probe into missing gold from Kerala’s revered Sabarimala temple is set to implicate former members of its administrative board, including a senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader.

The controversy centres on the handling of gold coverings, or platings, from the temple. In 2019, the board entrusted the gold to Bengaluru-based Malayali artisan Unnikrishnan Potti. Crucially, the work was to be conducted in Chennai, directly flouting established norms.

Strict protocols mandate that such sensitive work on temple assets must be carried out on the temple premises itself. The Deccan Herald report reveals that the vigilance report highlights this significant breach under Padmakumar's leadership.

Following these findings, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Kerala High Court has registered two cases. They are actively investigating the disappearance of the gold.

This development means that Padmakumar and other former board members from the left-front could formally become subjects of the criminal investigation.

The scandal has ignited a fierce political battle in the state. The opposition Congress and BJP, along with Sangh Parivar outfits, have seized upon the issue, intensifying their protests.

In a counteroffensive, State Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cheriyan has pointed the finger back at the Congress. He alleged that the most "massive looting" from the Sabarimala temple actually occurred during the tenure of a previous Congress-led government.

Meanwhile, Congress leaders are demanding a comprehensive audit of assets in all temples across Kerala. This call has gained momentum as allegations of missing valuables have surfaced at several other temples since the Sabarimala row came to light.

When confronted with the allegations, former TDB president A Padmakumar maintained his innocence. He told reporters that he had not indulged in any unlawful acts and was prepared to face any investigation.

He also claimed that "vested interest groups" were attempting to target him personally, noting that many others were part of the board at the time.