What are the irregularities found in ghee sales at Sabarimala temple?
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Synopsis
The establishment of a Special Investigation Team by the VACB to probe alleged financial irregularities in ghee sales at Sabarimala temple raises serious concerns. This comes on the heels of a gold theft investigation, prompting a call for greater accountability and transparency in temple administration.
Key Takeaways
- The VACB has initiated a Special Investigation Team to probe financial irregularities at Sabarimala temple.
- Concerns have been raised regarding the mismanagement of funds linked to ghee sales.
- The investigation follows a recent gold theft case, heightening scrutiny on temple administration.
- Transparency and accountability are emphasized as critical needs for temple governance.
- Irregularities amounting to Rs 36.24 lakh have been detected, prompting further investigation.
Kochi, Jan 15 (NationPress) The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has recently established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged financial discrepancies in the sale of Adiya Sishtam Ghee at the Sabarimala temple. This decision follows strong observations and directives from the Kerala High Court earlier this week.
Leading the special team is Superintendent of Police (SP) Mahesh Kumar.
This development occurs amidst heightened scrutiny of Sabarimala, which is already facing intense public and institutional examination due to a recent gold theft case, raising concerns about financial oversight and administrative accountability at one of India’s most revered temples.
The Vigilance action is a response to critical remarks made by a Division Bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and K.V. Jayakumar on Tuesday. The High Court mandated a Vigilance probe while addressing a suo motu case based on a report from the Sabarimala Special Commissioner.
This report highlighted the alleged criminal misappropriation of proceeds from the sale of Adiya Sishtam Ghee, which is made available through various counters at the temple.
In its ruling, the High Court noted that certain self-serving officials within the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) seemed to be misappropriating temple funds.
“It seems evident that certain employees of the Travancore Devaswom Board are more focused on misappropriating funds rather than diligently performing their assigned duties,” the Bench expressed, indicating a troubling trend where personal gain is prioritized over the institution and its devotees.
The court also pointed out that similar issues have been encountered in the past, criticizing the lax approach of Board employees towards revenue management.
Stressing the necessity for systemic reform, the Bench asserted that transparency and accountability, along with strong technological safeguards, are no longer optional but mandatory obligations imposed on the Board.
It warned that ongoing negligence could suggest that the senior management of the Board is either unwilling or complicit in permitting such irregularities.
In compliance with the court’s instructions, the Vigilance department conducted an initial verification, uncovering irregularities totaling Rs 36.24 lakh.
Out of this, approximately Rs 13 lakh was linked to the sale of 13,679 packets of Adiya Sishtam Ghee, the revenue of which was reportedly not deposited in the TDB’s account.
The Devaswom Board had previously informed the High Court that the official overseeing the ghee sales, Sunil Kumar Potti, has been suspended following a preliminary inquiry revealing lapses in ensuring that sales proceeds reached the Board’s account.
The Vigilance probe will now delve into financial records, stock movements, and the roles of involved officials as the investigation unfolds under judicial oversight.
Point of View
I recognize the importance of transparency and accountability in religious institutions. The recent establishment of a Special Investigation Team by the VACB is a critical step toward rectifying financial irregularities at the Sabarimala temple. Upholding trust and ensuring responsible management of temple funds is paramount for maintaining the faith of devotees and the integrity of such revered institutions.
NationPress
15/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the investigation into ghee sales at Sabarimala temple?
The investigation was prompted by observations and directives from the Kerala High Court regarding alleged financial irregularities in the sale of Adiya Sishtam Ghee.
Who is leading the Special Investigation Team?
The Special Investigation Team is being led by Superintendent of Police Mahesh Kumar.
What were the findings of the preliminary verification by the Vigilance department?
The preliminary verification revealed irregularities amounting to Rs 36.24 lakh, with Rs 13 lakh linked to the sale of ghee not being credited to the Board’s account.
What actions have been taken against officials involved?
The official responsible for overseeing ghee sales, Sunil Kumar Potti, has been suspended due to lapses in ensuring that sale proceeds reached the Devaswom Board’s account.
What are the broader implications of this investigation?
The investigation underscores the need for systemic reforms and enhanced accountability within the Travancore Devaswom Board, ensuring that temple funds are managed responsibly.
