The Golden Controversy: Unveiling Sabarimala's Shrine Secrets

The controversy surrounding the gold-plating at the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple deepens as the Travancore Devaswom Board president, P S Prasanth, assures that current board members are disconnected from the sponsoring businessman. He instead suggests some Devaswom officials may have been involved in the irregularities.

Amid conflicting statements, the temple's tantri, Kandararu Rajeevaru, stated he never allowed the removal of copper plates for renovation, contradicting the suspended former administrative officer, B Murari Babu's claims. Prasanth maintains a neutral stance, favoring a thorough investigation by the Special Investigation Team.

The Special Investigation Team's formation follows the Kerala High Court's direction to probe the alleged weight discrepancies of gold-clad panels on the temple's idols. The court also initiated an inventory of all temple valuables, signaling a broader push for transparency and accountability.

(With inputs from agencies.)