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The Kerala High Court has directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to take possession of the minutes book of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) amid the investigation into the alleged loss of gold from the gilded copper casings of the Dwarapalaka (gate guardian) statues at the Sabarimala temple.
A division bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and KV Jayakumar, observing that the case involved serious crimes, ordered the SIT to conduct a thorough investigation under the direct supervision of the court.
“In view of the serious nature of the offenses involved, we deem it necessary to direct the SIT to immediately seize the minutes book of the TDB and keep it in safe custody,” the court said. A copy should also be sent to the Registrar General, who will ensure that it remains sealed, the court said.
The order came following a complaint by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner alleging that gold plating from temple idols was sent to Chennai-based firm Smart Creations for repairs without the court’s knowledge or approval, raising concerns over possible misuse of temple property.
The bench said the investigation should go beyond the immediate loss of gold to uncover any wider conspiracy or official involvement within the Travancore Devaswom Board.
The court clarified that the purpose of its monitoring was to ensure transparency and impartiality, and not to interfere in the functioning of the SIT.
The case dates back to September, when reports of procedural lapses in handling gold-plated copper plates came to light. The investigation revealed that key accused Unnikrishnan Potti had sent 42.8 kg of plates for repair, while the Chennai firm received only 38 kg, indicating a discrepancy of 4.54 kg.
Two criminal cases have been registered against Potti under sections 403, 406, 409 (criminal breach of trust) and sections 466 and 467 (forgery) of the Indian Penal Code.
The SIT has since seized key records and registers, including the Charge Mahajar register, Devaswom Mahajar and maintenance files related to Dwarapalaka idols.
The next hearing of the case will be on November 5.
(edited by : Sheersh Kapoor,