Sabarimala Gold Theft Scandal: Former Temple Official Arrested in Shocking Turn

Sabarimala Gold Theft: SIT Detains Ex-Official in Shocking Scandal

In a startling development in the Sabarimala gold theft case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has detained Murari Babu, the former administrative officer of the revered Sabarimala temple. The detention marks a significant escalation in the ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of gold used for plating Lord Ayyappa’s shrine. Babu was apprehended late Wednesday night and transported to Thiruvananthapuram for questioning, where he is likely to be interrogated alongside Unnikrishnan Potti, a key figure already under arrest for his role in the 2019 gold-plating project.

The SIT alleges that Babu played a pivotal role in manipulating temple records, misclassifying gold items as copper to conceal the disappearance of precious materials. This scandal, which has rocked the Travancore Devaswom Board, has raised serious questions about the integrity of temple administration. According to sources, the SIT has seized the Board’s 2019 Minutes Book, which details the decision to entrust gold sheets and plating materials to Potti, exposing potential lapses in oversight.

Allegations of a Wider Conspiracy

The Kerala High Court has expressed grave concern over what it terms a “well-orchestrated conspiracy” within the Travancore Devaswom Board. Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and KV Jayakumar, in their observations, highlighted that the Sabarimala gold theft is not an isolated incident but part of a broader scheme involving multiple levels of the Board. The court has called for an independent, court-monitored investigation to probe the matter beyond the scope of earlier inquiries, emphasizing the need for transparency in temple affairs.

The SIT’s report to the High Court revealed that certain Board members and employees acted in the interest of private individuals, suggesting deliberate manipulation of records. The Board’s reluctance to produce critical documents until pressed by investigators has further fueled suspicions of a cover-up. The seizure of the 2019 Minutes Book has provided crucial evidence, pointing to procedural lapses in the handling of the temple’s gold assets.

Details of the 2019 Gold Plating Controversy

The controversy traces back to 2019, when gold plating from the Dwarapalaka idols and side panels of the temple’s sanctum, known as the Sreekovil, was removed for refurbishment. The task was assigned to Unnikrishnan Potti, a contractor with a long history of working on temple projects. Shockingly, officials allegedly misclassified the gold-plated items as copper, allowing them to be removed from the temple premises without proper documentation. Upon their return, the idols were not weighed, masking the loss of precious material.

The SIT’s investigation uncovered that Potti was permitted to retain over 400 grams of temple gold for personal use, including for a family marriage. Nearly 475 grams of gold remains unaccounted for, sparking outrage among devotees and temple authorities. This revelation has intensified scrutiny of the Travancore Devaswom Board’s oversight mechanisms and raised questions about the accountability of those entrusted with sacred temple assets.

SIT’s Ongoing Investigation and Challenges

The SIT’s probe has faced significant hurdles, particularly due to the Travancore Devaswom Board’s alleged obstruction. Investigators claim that the Board delayed the submission of critical records, including the 2019 Minutes Book, which documents the decision to hand over gold materials to Potti. The SIT’s findings suggest that the Board’s actions may have been intended to shield those involved in the temple gold misappropriation.

Despite these challenges, the SIT has made significant progress. The detention of Murari Babu is seen as a critical step toward unraveling the full extent of the conspiracy. Babu’s alleged manipulation of temple records, including registering gold items as copper, is believed to have facilitated the theft. The SIT is now preparing to question Babu and Potti together, hoping to uncover further details about the missing gold and the involvement of other parties.

Public Outrage and Calls for Accountability

The Sabarimala gold theft has triggered widespread outrage among devotees, who view the temple as a sacred symbol of faith. The revelation that nearly 475 grams of gold remains missing has intensified calls for greater transparency and accountability in temple management. Devotees and local leaders have demanded a thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

The Kerala High Court’s insistence on a court-monitored investigation reflects the gravity of the situation. The court’s observation that the theft is part of a “wider conspiracy” has further heightened public concern. Many are now questioning the Travancore Devaswom Board’s ability to safeguard the temple’s assets and are calling for systemic reforms to prevent such incidents in the future.

What Lies Ahead for the Sabarimala Temple?

As the SIT continues its investigation, the focus remains on recovering the missing gold and holding those responsible accountable. The detention of Murari Babu and the ongoing questioning of Unnikrishnan Potti are expected to shed light on the full scope of the temple gold theft. The SIT is also exploring the involvement of other Board members and employees who may have facilitated the misappropriation.

The Kerala High Court’s directive for an independent investigation signals a strong commitment to addressing the issue. The court’s oversight is expected to ensure that the probe remains impartial and thorough, addressing the concerns of devotees and restoring trust in the temple’s administration. The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for the management of religious institutions across Kerala.

The Sabarimala gold theft case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in temple management systems. As the investigation unfolds, it is hoped that the truth will come to light, and measures will be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future. For now, devotees and authorities alike await justice in this high-profile scandal that has shaken one of India’s most revered spiritual centers.