Sabarimala Temple Gold Controversy: Vigilance Report Awaited Amid Allegations

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) Vigilance is poised to submit its preliminary findings to the High Court regarding the missing gold plating from Sabarimala temple. According to Kerala Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan, the opposition attempted to spark controversy ahead of the report's submission, scheduled for Tuesday, October 8.

Minister Vasavan underscored the government's dedication to transparency in resolving the gold plating dispute, assuring compliance with court directives. He stated that only with court approval can TDB make decisions concerning precious metals. The Kerala High Court has mandated the formation of a Special Investigation Team to examine the alleged theft.

The minister clarified that the government maintains no involvement in temple administration during non-pilgrimage periods and highlighted alleged opposition attempts to misinterpret facts. Unnikrishnan Potty, linked to the gold works, was recently interrogated by TDB Vigilance, while allegations surfaced about the misappropriation of gold donated by the UB Group, prompting demands for a CBI inquiry.

(With inputs from agencies.)