Should the Devasom Minister and Board Resign After Kerala HC's Observations on Sabarimala Gold Scam?
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Synopsis
Amidst allegations of a criminal conspiracy in the Sabarimala gold plating case, Congress leader K.C. Venugopal demands the resignation of key officials. The Kerala High Court's observations raise serious questions about the integrity of the current administration, highlighting significant irregularities and potential complicity in a major scandal.
Key Takeaways
- Immediate Resignation: Calls for the resignation of key officials involved.
- Criminal Conspiracy: The High Court's observations suggest a serious breach of trust.
- SIT Actions: Ongoing investigations have led to multiple FIRs and arrests.
- Systemic Issues: Highlights the need for reforms in governance.
- Public Accountability: Growing demands for transparency from government officials.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 21 (NationPress) - On Tuesday, Congress General Secretary and Alappuzha MP K.C. Venugopal called for the immediate resignation of Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan and members of the Travancore Devaswom Board, following the Kerala High Court’s interim ruling that suggested a potential criminal conspiracy in the Sabarimala gold plating affair.
This interim order was issued on Tuesday after the SIT appointed by the court presented initial findings in the investigation.
So far, the SIT has filed two FIRs, identified ten individuals as suspects, and arrested the ‘sponsor’ Unnikrishnan Potti.
Venugopal stated that the court’s remarks pointed to the current Devaswom Board's deliberate concealment of the 2019 gold theft at the Sabarimala temple, and noted that in 2025, they still assigned Potti the task of gold-plating the Dwarapalaka gold plates.
The High Court characterized this as a suspicious act that raised concerns about complicity at the highest levels.
“The court has explicitly stated that a criminal conspiracy was behind the Sabarimala gold theft,” Venugopal remarked.
“It also confirmed that the theft occurred with the tacit approval of the Devaswom Board. Just as records were tampered with in the 2019 gold plating project, there has been further manipulation in 2025. Given these circumstances, neither the Minister nor the current Board has any moral or administrative right to remain in power,” he asserted.
Referring to the situation as an “organized looting operation,” Venugopal accused both the Board and the state government of creating conditions that facilitated the misappropriation. “This issue is not confined to a few rogue officials. The entire system is complicit. No one should think they can evade responsibility by solely blaming the previous Board,” he stated.
Highlighting that the High Court itself pointed out significant irregularities, the Congress leader urged those in power to act responsibly.
“If the Minister and the Board possess even a shred of shame, they should resign. Otherwise, if they continue to defend their wrongdoings with empty arguments, the Congress will be forced to initiate a large-scale public protest,” he warned.
Point of View
The ongoing investigations into the Sabarimala gold scam reveal deep-seated systemic issues within the Devaswom Board and the state government. This situation underscores the need for transparency and accountability in managing religious assets. The call for resignations by K.C. Venugopal reflects a growing concern about governance and ethical practices, which resonates with the public's demand for integrity.
NationPress
22/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sabarimala gold scam?
The Sabarimala gold scam involves allegations of theft and misappropriation of gold belonging to the Sabarimala temple, with recent investigations suggesting a possible criminal conspiracy.
Who is K.C. Venugopal?
K.C. Venugopal is a Congress General Secretary and the Member of Parliament representing Alappuzha, Kerala.
What did the Kerala High Court say about the case?
The Kerala High Court issued an interim order suggesting potential criminal conspiracy and raised concerns about the actions of the Devaswom Board.
What actions have been taken by the SIT?
The SIT has registered two FIRs, identified ten accused individuals, and made arrests, including that of the sponsor Unnikrishnan Potti.
What are the implications of this case?
This case raises serious questions about governance, accountability, and the integrity of religious institutions in Kerala.
