Sabarimala Executive Officer P S Santhakumar Submits Voluntary Retirement Request; Devaswom Board Convinces Him to Stay
Pathanamthitta: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has declined to accept the voluntary retirement request submitted by Sabarimala Executive Officer P S Santhakumar and directed him to continue in his post.
The Board reportedly held discussions with Santhakumar and persuaded him to withdraw his request. Following the intervention, Santhakumar agreed to continue as Sabarimala Executive Officer.
Santhakumar had submitted his voluntary retirement application reportedly due to severe mental stress. Meanwhile, suspicions had emerged over the possible involvement of a lobby comprising officials and intermediaries behind his unexpected decision to seek retirement.
The development came just ahead of the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, when preparations are underway to accommodate the anticipated influx of devotees to Sabarimala.
Santhakumar is regarded as an officer with a strong track record, and his sudden decision to seek voluntary retirement had raised concerns ahead of the crucial pilgrimage season.