Sabarimala Gold Theft Case Chargesheet Delayed Over Prosecution Sanction; Minister Demands Thorough Ghee Scam Probe
Ernakulam: The filing of the final chargesheet in the Sabarimala gold theft case involving the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) sculptures is expected to be delayed further, as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is yet to receive prosecution sanction.
The Kerala government informed the High Court that the Assistant Legal Advisor, who is responsible for processing the prosecution sanction, has not yet assumed charge despite being appointed to the post.
During the hearing, the High Court directed the authorities to expedite further proceedings and adjourned the suo motu case for consideration in November.
The SIT informed the court that the final examination report of the gold plates had been received. During the previous hearing, the investigation team had indicated that prosecution sanction for filing the chargesheet was expected by October 25.
The SIT has already submitted a draft chargesheet before the High Court. However, more than a year after the investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft began, the final chargesheet in the first case involving the Dwarapalaka sculptures remains pending.
Devaswom Officials Suspected in Sabarimala Ghee Fraud
Meanwhile, Kerala Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan has stated that Devaswom officials were also involved in the alleged ghee diversion scam at Sabarimala.
The minister said such a large-scale irregularity could not have occurred without the support of certain officials. He assured that a comprehensive investigation would continue to identify everyone involved.
The case concerns the alleged diversion of 11,040 kg of Milma ghee collected from the Pathanamthitta Milma Dairy on November 5, 2025, which was intended for distribution at Sabarimala but reportedly never reached its destination.
Subsequent inspections also found that ghee from six batches failed to meet the required quality standards.
Police have arrested transport contractor S.S. Binu in connection with the case. Binu had secured the contract to transport Milma ghee to Sannidhanam during the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.
According to investigators, trucks carrying ghee from Milma dairies were allegedly diverted to two Tamil Nadu-based agencies, Sri Venkateswara Traders and Leo Traders, instead of reaching Sabarimala.
Investigators also found that the accused allegedly prepared fake invoices for approximately 11,000 litres of ghee to facilitate the diversion.
The investigation had earlier raised questions concerning former Travancore Devaswom Board President P.S. Prasanth and others.
Authorities suspect that the alleged fraud involved financial irregularities worth crores of rupees.
The minister described the suspected involvement of Devaswom officials in the diversion of temple assets as a serious matter. He said the government would take strict measures to prevent similar irregularities involving temple resources and offerings made by devotees.
Both the gold theft investigation and the ghee diversion case have raised concerns over the management and protection of Sabarimala temple assets, with further investigation and legal proceedings continuing.