Officials Arrive at Sannidhanam to Inspect Strong Room Today; Sabarimala Gold Plating Case
Thiruvananthapuram: Officials arrived at Sabarimala today to conduct further investigations into the gold plating controversy. Under the supervision of the Devaswom Vigilance, the temple’s strong room will be opened and inspected after 8 a.m. An emergency meeting of the Devaswom Board is scheduled to be held today and tomorrow to discuss the developments.
Minister V. N. Vasavan clarified that the government has no involvement in either the Sabarimala gold plating issue or the missing Dwarapalaka Shilapeedam (the pedestal of the temple’s gatekeeper idols). “The government’s role is limited to ensuring development in Sabarimala and improving facilities for devotees. The opposition is attempting to mislead the public by linking the government to the controversy,” he stated.
The missing Dwarapalaka Shilapeedam, which Unnikrishnan Potti had earlier reported missing, was reportedly found at his sister’s residence. This has raised suspicions of a possible conspiracy behind Potti’s original complaint. The object had gone missing in 2019 and was recently recovered by the Devaswom Vigilance team. Officials also confirmed that the gold sheets were taken for repair following proper procedures, which were approved by the court. However, the opposition has been accused of distorting facts and misleading the public about the ongoing situation.
Opposition members had earlier alleged in the Assembly that around four kilograms of gold were removed, prompting ruling party members to demand an apology for misleading statements. The issue pertains to the gold plating work entrusted to Unnikrishnan Potti in 2019. “If any procedures were violated, let them be examined,” officials said.
Records show that the gold donated by Vijay Mallya in 1998 was weighed and documented by Public Works Department officials. Following a court order, Devaswom officials later took charge of the work. Hence, authorities are now demanding that investigations cover all activities since 1998.