Crores Deposited in Sabarimala Banks During Mandala Season; ₹46 Lakh in Malikappuram Melsanthi’s Account
Kochi: A vigilance inspection has uncovered unusually large cash deposits in banks at the Sannidhanam of Sabarimala Temple during the previous Mandala pilgrimage season. According to a report submitted by the Special Commissioner to the Kerala High Court, more than ₹20 crore reached various financial institutions at Sannidhanam during the Mandala–Makaravilakku season from November 17 to December 31. At the Sannidhanam branch of State Bank of India, deposits exceeding ₹8 crore were made through 1,667 transactions, while ₹11.5 crore was deposited through 948 transactions at the Dhanalakshmi Bank branch. The report also reveals that the Malikappuram Melsanthi (chief priest) alone deposited ₹46.51 lakh into his personal bank account during the Mandala season, raising questions over the unusually high volume of transactions.
Vigilance officials point out that such huge amounts reaching bank accounts are unusual when considering the salary and dakshina (offerings) provided by the Devaswom Board. It is indicated that Melsanthis and Keezhsanthis who are under investigation in connection with the “Aadiya Shishtam Neyy” case have also made similar large deposits. The report states that from senior officials to permanent staff and daily wage workers, many have deposited lakhs of rupees into their accounts. Earlier, the court had directed that bank details from Sannidhanam be provided, and these details have now come out based on that order.
At the same time that such massive deposits are being made in banks at Sannidhanam, another serious issue has been brought before the High Court: sanitation workers who work there under very difficult conditions are not being paid the wages they deserve. The report states that even the Minimal wages allotted to them are not being paid properly. The report has requested the High Court to intervene in the matter and ensure that the workers receive proper and timely salaries.
The revelations have prompted renewed scrutiny of financial practices during the Mandala pilgrimage season, one of the busiest periods at Sabarimala Temple, which attracts millions of devotees every year.
The chief priests claim that the money deposited was dakshina (offerings) given by devotees. However, the report submitted to the High Court by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner states that employees allegedly collected money by taking coins and notes brought by devotees as part of pooja offerings and by stealing cash that fell outside when the offering boxes (kanikka vanchi) were opened.