Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday allowed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct scientific investigation as part of its probe into alleged gold plating irregularities at the Sabarimala temple.
The court authorized the SIT to collect gold samples from various sites to determine the exact amount of gold “lost or misused” during the renovation works of the temple.
Amidst suspicions of large-scale fraud during its replacement, it also allowed inspection of the newly-installed sanctum sanctorum (Srikovil) door.
The direction came after the SIT presented its latest progress report before the high court. During the hearing, the court found that serious irregularities were alleged against contractor Unnikrishnan Potti, who was allegedly given excessive freedom by Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) officials while executing the gold plating project.
The bench noted that several officials had allegedly supported Potti in various transactions and said such conduct raises serious concerns about monitoring and accountability within the board.
The court commented, “The investigation must reach all those who were directly or indirectly part of the gold theft.” He emphasized that the biggest duty of the TDB is to protect the property of the deity.
It is noteworthy that the High Court had also directed the SIT to investigate whether TDB officials could be brought under the ambit of the Prevention of Corruption Act, so that the scope of the investigation could be expanded.
The alleged irregularities relate to gold plating on the doors of the temple’s sanctum sanctorum and other structures done as part of renovation efforts.
Controversy arose when the amount of gold allegedly used did not match official records, raising suspicions of large-scale misappropriation.
The investigation led by Additional Director General of Police H. Venkatesh has so far led to the arrest of three people – Potti, serving TDB officer Murari Babu and former officer Sudheesh Kumar.
On Monday, the SIT arrested former TDB president and two-time commissioner N. Vasu, a CPI(M) supporter and a close aide of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, was questioned.
With the Congress demanding the resignation of Devaswom minister VN Vasavan and raising questions about former minister and CPI(M) MLA Kadakampally Surendran, the ruling party finds itself on the backfoot.
The coming days are expected to be crucial as the SIT is likely to summon other leaders associated with the CPI(M), including former TDB president A. Padmakumar and Ananthagopan and current chief PS Prashanth.
–IANS