TDB modifies transfer orders for 25 officers after controversy
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has changed the transfer orders of 25 assistant devaswom commissioner–cadre officers following a controversy over the initial decision.
All 25 officers have now been posted to new locations. Among them, Syam Prakash, who was earlier serving as administrative officer of Valliyamkavu Devaswom, has been shifted to Kottarakkara as assistant audit officer.
The revision comes after strong criticism of an earlier order that involved 75 transfers. The initial list had triggered backlash after some officers were reportedly given important postings even though they were being questioned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case.
The issue led to political reaction as well. Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan expressed strong objection and wrote to the TDB asking it to withdraw the transfer list.
In his letter, the minister said that although the Board is autonomous, officers under investigation or suspicion in the Sabarimala gold theft case should not be given key positions. He also warned that if the government’s request was ignored, it could be seen as the Current Board also being involved in the case.
The controversy forced the TDB to revise its earlier decision and issue a fresh transfer order.