Sabarimala Ghee Purchase Irregularities: ₹2.27 Crore Loss, 3,465 Litres Missing; Recovery from Those Responsible
Kochi: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) is examining the possibility of recovering the financial loss caused by the purchase of ghee from Milma without following the prescribed tender procedures. The recovery could be initiated through a surcharge order under the provisions of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act.
Under Section 32(9) of the Act, those responsible can be issued a show-cause notice if it is established that negligence on the part of Devaswom Board members resulted in financial loss to the Board. If the explanation is found unsatisfactory, the High Court has the authority to order steps for recovering the amount.
A preliminary investigation has estimated the financial loss to the Sabarimala Devaswom from the Milma ghee transaction at around ₹2.27 crore. Following the findings, authorities are now examining legal and administrative measures to recover the amount from those found responsible.
3,465-Litre Ghee Shortage Under Probe
The investigation has also uncovered an alleged discrepancy in the quantity of ghee supplied to Sabarimala during the previous pilgrimage season.
The Devaswom Board had decided to procure 1,65,000 litres of ghee. Vigilance officials reportedly received records indicating that the full quantity had been dispatched from Milma's Thiruvananthapuram and Pathanamthitta dairies to Pampa.
However, the Devaswom ledger records the receipt of only 1,61,535 litres, indicating a shortage of 3,465 litres.
At the rate of ₹538 per litre, the missing quantity is estimated to be worth around ₹18.64 lakh. Devaswom Vigilance suspects that the missing ghee may have been diverted while being transported to Pampa.
The vehicle contractor responsible for transporting the ghee from the Milma dairies to Pampa is currently under the investigation team's scrutiny.
Special Investigation Team Expands Probe
The Special Investigation Team launched its investigation based on the findings in the Devaswom Vigilance report. The probe is examining not only the alleged shortage but also the procedures followed in the procurement of ghee and the financial implications of the transaction.
Investigators are also examining discrepancies in official records and documents related to the quantity purchased, dispatched and received.
With further evidence expected to emerge, the investigation is likely to focus more closely on identifying individuals who may have been responsible for procedural lapses or financial losses in the transaction.
If responsibility is established, the authorities could initiate proceedings to recover the loss from those found accountable.