TDB President Speaks Out on Sabarimala Tender Leak; Assures Strong Action
PATHANAMTHITTA: Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) President K. Jayakumar has strongly responded to the alleged irregularities in the Sabarimala shop room tender process, stating that the Board will not give in to any organised blackmailing.
Jayakumar said it was not surprising that tender information was leaked from Sabarimala, adding that various details from the institution have been leaked in similar ways in the past.
He said the Vigilance has submitted a report on the leakage of tender information and that strong legal action will be taken against those responsible. He also said devotees and the public need not be concerned about the issue.
Following the alleged irregularities, the TDB had earlier invited a re-tender for 210 shop rooms at Sabarimala Sannidhanam. The Board cancelled the earlier two-stage tender process after confidential information related to the shop room tenders was allegedly leaked.
The Devaswom Vigilance conducted a detailed investigation into the alleged leakage of tender information to certain contractors in advance. According to the preliminary findings of the Vigilance, some Devaswom Board officials allegedly provided confidential assistance to contractors.
The Devaswom Vigilance SP, who was in Andhra Pradesh, reached the spot and conducted the investigation.
Jayakumar said further action would be taken based on the Vigilance report.