Is There a Gold Scam at Sabarimala? Rajeev Chandrasekhar Appeals for Central Probe
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Synopsis
In a significant move, Rajeev Chandrasekhar has urged Amit Shah for a central agency investigation into the alleged Sabarimala gold scam. As the Kerala High Court appoints an SIT, shocking revelations continue to unfold. Can transparency be restored for the devotees? Read on for the latest developments.
Key Takeaways
- Rajeev Chandrasekhar
- The Kerala High Court has established a Special Investigation Team to investigate the matter.
- Financial transactions related to the temple over the past three decades are being scrutinized.
- Irregularities in temple records have raised serious concerns.
- The investigation aims to restore trust among devotees.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 22 (NationPress) Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the leader of the Kerala branch of the Bharatiya Janata Party, has reached out to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting an investigation by Central agencies into the *suspected gold scam* associated with Sabarimala.
This latest call for action follows a meeting where a high-ranking BJP delegation, headed by Chandrasekhar, briefed President Droupadi Murmu about the gold scam at the Kerala Raj Bhavan late Tuesday night.
These allegations emerge as the Kerala High Court has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the gold scam.
In his correspondence to Amit Shah, Chandrasekhar emphasized the need for a thorough examination of financial transactions linked to the temple over the last thirty years.
He stated that the findings revealed thus far are “profoundly disturbing” and that only a rigorous and transparent investigation can regain the trust of the devotees.
Additionally, the Kerala High Court has mandated a comprehensive inquiry into the potential conspiracy involving officials from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).
This case centers on the gold plating from the Dwarapalaka plates, which were given to the now-detained ‘sponsor’ Unnikrishnan Potti in 2019, and are believed to have been misappropriated.
The court has noted various inconsistencies, such as records inaccurately listing gold sheets as copper, absence of weight checks upon return, and a lack of adequate documentation in the temple registry. Investigators are concerned that the gold returned may differ from what was initially removed from the sanctum.
In 2024, it was discovered that the gold plating had deteriorated despite being under a 40-year warranty, leading the Board to assign the work to the same craftsman again, an action the court suggested could be an attempt to cover up the initial error.
The court also raised questions about the sudden change in the Devaswom Commissioner’s prior position regarding traditional gold plating methods.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the High Court ordered the SIT to seize and secure the TDB minutes book while investigating the involvement of officials at all levels.
Point of View
It is vital to emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability in matters involving religious institutions. The ongoing investigation into the Sabarimala gold scam highlights the necessity for thorough scrutiny to restore faith in public trust. The integrity of temple finances must be upheld, ensuring that the interests of devotees are safeguarded.
NationPress
22/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Rajeev Chandrasekhar to write to Amit Shah?
Rajeev Chandrasekhar wrote to Amit Shah to request a central agency investigation into the alleged gold scam linked to Sabarimala, aiming to ensure transparency and restore trust among devotees.
What is the role of the Kerala High Court in this matter?
The Kerala High Court has appointed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the gold scam, directing a thorough investigation into potential misconduct by officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board.
What are the irregularities noted by the court?
The court identified discrepancies such as records mislabeling gold as copper, lack of weight verification upon return, and inadequate documentation in the temple registry.
Why is the investigation important for devotees?
A transparent investigation is crucial to restore confidence among devotees, ensuring that the financial dealings related to the temple are handled with integrity.
What is the significance of the Dwarapalaka plates in this case?
The Dwarapalaka plates are central to the case, as their gold plating was allegedly misappropriated, raising significant concerns about the management of temple resources.
