Sabarimala Gold Plate Transfer: SIT Confirms Conspiracy; Tantri Rajeevaru and Former Devaswom Board President PS Prasanth Among Accused
Thiruvananthapuram: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has concluded that the transfer of the Sabarimala gold plates was the result of a planned conspiracy. The SIT stated that nine people, including former Devaswom Board President P.S. Prashanth and Tantri (chief priest) Kandarar Rajeevarar, will be included in the list of accused in connection with the transfer of the gold plates in 2025 in violation of established rules. These key findings were included in a report submitted to the Kerala High Court.
According to the SIT, the gold plates were handed over to Unnikrishnan Potti in 2025 in an attempt to conceal lapses that had occurred in 2019. The report points out that although the color of the gold had faded over the six-year period, the Devaswom Board at the time neither conducted an examination nor initiated an investigation. The SIT noted that there are serious suspicions surrounding the decision to hand over the plates to Unnikrishnan Potti on the pretext that they were under warranty. The report further states that although no gold was actually lost, the accused can still be prosecuted under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Those named in the accused list are former president P.S. Prashanth, board members Aji Kumar and Santhosh Kumar, Tantri Kandarar Rajeevarar, Thiruvabharanam Commissioner Rajilal, Secretary Bindu, Unnikrishnan Potti, Pankaj Bhandari, and Govardhan. Meanwhile, Muraribabu has been excluded from the list of accused by the investigation team.