Ayyappa temple controversy: The alleged gold theft case related to the holy Sabarimala Ayyappa temple in Kerala has now taken the form of a major political, religious and legal controversy. After allegations of irregularities in the gold layer applied on the idols of Dwarapalaka and other structures in the temple, the matter reached the Kerala High Court, from where an investigation was ordered.
Now the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also entered this sensitive matter. Investigating from the angle of money laundering, ED has started raiding 21 locations simultaneously in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, due to which the matter has become even more serious.
Big action by ED
According to ED sources, raids are being conducted at about 21 places in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This action is being taken under the PMLA case registered on the basis of FIR of Kerala Police.
It is being told that the main accused in Bengaluru are Unnikrishnan Potti and former president of Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) A. The ED team is also investigating the locations linked to Padmakumar.
ED’s entry after SIT investigation
This case is already being investigated by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed under the supervision of the Kerala High Court. On the instructions of the High Court, the SIT investigated and submitted its report to the court, in which the theft of gold from the temple was confirmed.
During the SIT investigation, the chief priest (Tantri) of the temple, Kandararu Rajivaru, was arrested. His arrest is considered to be the 11th arrest in this case.
Investigation team will take measurements and samples of gold sheets
The SIT team has reached Sannidhanam of Sabarimala temple complex. With the permission of the High Court, the team will now measure the quantity of gold sheets installed in the temple and will also collect their samples.
The investigation is related to administrative lapses, official negligence and a conspiracy to allegedly misappropriate gold belonging to the artefacts of Lord Ayyappa temple.
Investigation of irregularities in which structures?
The SIT investigation focuses on the alleged loss of gold-plated copper plates mounted on the idols of the ‘Dwarpalak’ (guardian deity) of the temple and the gold attached to the door frames of the ‘Srikovil’ (sanctum sanctorum).
Investigating agencies believe that a huge difference has been found in the thickness and weight of the gold layer, due to which there is a strong possibility of theft and misappropriation.
What is the Sabarimala gold theft controversy?
This entire controversy is related to 30.3 kg of gold and about 1,900 kg of copper, which was donated by industrialist Vijay Mallya in the year 1998 for the work of sanctum sanctorum and wood carving of the temple.
During the review by the Kerala High Court, it came to light that the weight of the gold layer was much less than expected. After this, allegations of corruption and theft were made in Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and investigation was started under the supervision of the court.
Investigation is going on in four phases
The investigation of this entire matter has been divided into four different phases.
- The first phase is related to applying gold layer on the decorative objects and artefacts of Srikovil and surrounding areas of Sabarimala.
- The second phase pertains to the replacement of the old gold doors of Srikovil with new gold doors in the year 2019.
- The third phase involved the removal of the gold plates, side plates and door frame plates of the Dwarapalaka statues in 2019.
- The fourth phase covers all transactions related to re-coating the plates of Dwarapalaka idols with gold in the year 2025.
The investigation has revealed allegations that those responsible for the safety and custody of the deity’s valuables allegedly systematically removed, altered or misused the gold.
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