Gold-Plating Scandal at Sabarimala: High Court Orders Special Investigation Team

The Kerala High Court has mandated the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to delve into the suspected irregularities surrounding the weight reduction of gold-clad copper plates of the Dwarapalaka idols at Sabarimala. The action arises after an interim investigation report by the Travancore Devaswom Board's Chief Vigilance and Security Officer sparked concerns.

Earlier, the court had sought a probe into the decreased weight of the Dwarapalakas following their electroplating by Chennai-based Smart Creation, funded by businessman Unnikrishnan Potty in 2019. This week, the court ordered an extensive inventory check of all valuables, including gold, at the temple, supervised by retired Justice K T Sankaran.

The SIT, led by H Venkitesh, Additional Director General of Police, with Superintendent of Police S Sasidharan and other officers, will report directly to the court. The investigation is to be completed within six weeks, addressing severe allegations of theft, misappropriation, and breach of trust among temple officials and external entities.

(With inputs from agencies.)