Sabarimala Gold Scandal: Kerala High Court Unleashes SIT Amid Political Firestorm

A cloud of suspicion hangs heavy over the hallowed grounds of Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple as the Kerala High Court has issued a significant directive: a Special Investigation Team (SIT) must be formed to unravel the mystery of 30 kg of gold that allegedly went missing during the re-gilding of the temple's 'kodimaram' (flag staff).

This high-stakes judicial intervention comes after a scathing audit report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) ignited a massive political and public controversy.

The controversy first erupted when the CAG's findings pointed to a glaring discrepancy: 30 kg of gold, purportedly used for the re-gilding work in 2017, could not be accounted for.

The report meticulously detailed how the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which administers the temple, received 30.186 kg of gold from various donors for the project. However, only 28.775 kg of pure gold, 1.050 kg of copper, and 0.361 kg of an alloy were actually used for the re-gilding. The crucial missing piece was the whereabouts of the initial 30 kg of donated gold, which appeared to have vanished without proper explanation.

Adding to the complexity, the CAG report also highlighted a major procedural lapse: the gold was allegedly received without proper documentation or the issuance of receipts.

This lack of transparency fuelled public outrage and provided ammunition for opposition parties, particularly the BJP and Congress, who have vehemently demanded a thorough investigation and accountability from the TDB and the state government. They have branded the incident a significant scam, eroding public trust in the administration of revered religious institutions.

Initially, the TDB attempted to downplay the allegations, asserting that all gold received was duly accounted for and utilized in the re-gilding process.

Their stance, however, failed to satisfy the High Court, which took a serious view of the CAG's observations. The Division Bench of Justices Anil K Narendran and PG Ajithkumar emphasized the gravity of the allegations, noting the discrepancy in the quantity of gold received versus the amount reportedly used, and the absence of clear records for the donated gold.

The court's order for a SIT probe underscores its commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring transparency in the management of temple affairs.

The SIT, comprising senior police officials, will now meticulously investigate the entire process, from the receipt of donations to the actual re-gilding work. Their mandate includes scrutinizing all financial transactions, material procurement, and the roles of individuals involved, with the objective of tracing the missing gold and establishing accountability.

This development sends a strong message regarding the judiciary's role in safeguarding public assets and maintaining the sanctity of religious institutions.

As the SIT commences its probe, all eyes will be on the outcome, hoping for clarity and justice in a scandal that has deeply unsettled devotees and the public alike, promising to uncover the full extent of the truth behind Sabarimala's missing gold.