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Alappuzha, Oct 10 (IANS) Mahesh Panikkar, a veteran sculptor from Kerala, has claimed that the investigation into the Sabarimala gold controversy may expose a big and highly lucrative racket which has been running secretly for a long time.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Panikkar claimed that the gold embedded in the idols of the Dwarapalakas (gate guardians) and other sacred parts of the temple would have been sold for much more than their mere metal value, which could possibly reach Rs 100 crore.
According to reports, Panikkar belongs to the artisan family that originally made the idol at Sabarimala.
Panikkar said, “After the High Court order, it is clear that a huge theft has taken place. The real value lies in the divine energy of Sabarimala and not just in the gold. Selling the idols with sacred copper sheets increases their value manifold.”
He emphasized that Unnikrishnan Potti, who is currently under investigation, was just a minor figure in a much larger network.
“Sabarimala gold can also enter the film industry. Buyers, including production houses, could easily pay hundreds of crores of rupees. Selling the original and returning the duplicate is a common strategy,” he said.
Panikkar also alleged that the racket exploited the faith of devotees, promoting the false belief that preserving parts of the idols could cure astrological ailments like ‘Shani Dosha’.
He said, “Sabarimala is an ancient temple with immense heritage; the divine value of its idols is immeasurable. This makes this scam much more significant than mere theft of gold.”
This disclosure has come amid the ongoing investigation on the orders of the High Court.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing the alleged sale of gold-plated copper covers, which were sent to Smart Creations for repair without prior court approval.
The Kerala High Court has constituted a five-member Kerala Police team led by Additional Director General of Police H. Venkatesh to complete the investigation itself and submit its report in a sealed cover in six weeks.
The case has attracted nationwide attention, not only for the financial magnitude but also for the cultural and spiritual violations, highlighting the scale of exploitation when religious faith is entwined with material greed.
–IANS
SG/DPB