Was the Gold from Sabarimala Temple Stolen and Sold for Crores?
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Synopsis
The Sabarimala temple scandal escalates as Kerala's LoP V.D. Satheesan claims the gold plates were sold under government approval. With High Court findings supporting these allegations, the demand for accountability grows. Could this be the tipping point for change in Kerala’s governance?
Key Takeaways
- Allegations of theft surrounding Sabarimala temple gold have surfaced.
- The High Court's findings have validated claims made by the Opposition.
- Calls for the resignation of key officials are gaining momentum.
- Public trust has been severely affected by the scandal.
- Protests will continue until accountability is achieved.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 7 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Kerala Assembly, V.D. Satheesan, asserted on Tuesday that the gold from the renowned Sabarimala temple’s Dwarapalaka plates was sold for crores of rupees, allegedly with the consent of the Devaswom Board and the government.
In a press briefing following the conclusion of the day’s session in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, which was disrupted by protests from the Congress-led Opposition, Satheesan emphasized that the findings of the High Court have validated the Opposition's long-held claim regarding a serious theft and sale at Sabarimala.
“The court has made it evident that what transpired was a significant fraud. The original gold-plated Dwarapalaka plates were removed from the temple and sold at a premium, while a copper mold was sent to Chennai in their place. Upon its return, the Devaswom Board feigned ignorance about the weight discrepancy,” he stated.
Satheesan accused the Board and the government of intentionally concealing the theft to protect senior officials from being implicated.
“Despite being fully aware, they reappointed Unnikrishnan Potti in 2015 for another round of gold work,” Satheesan added.
As a result, he urged the resignation of the Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan and the dismissal of the Board.
He highlighted that the High Court’s criticism underscored the validity of the Opposition's concerns.
He referenced an email sent by Potti to then Board president N. Vasu, requesting leftover temple gold for the wedding of a woman in need.
“That gold belonged to Ayyappan. Vasu, who has ties to CPI(M), cannot claim ignorance,” Satheesan remarked, demanding transparency about the current location of the original idol.
He also accused the government of hypocrisy for invoking judicial authority, noting that “three current Ministers who once insulted and expelled Chief Justice V.K. Bali for ordering a CBI investigation into the Lavalin case are now preaching respect for the judiciary.”
Satheesan affirmed that protests will persist “both inside and outside the House until accountability is ensured.”
“The sanctity of Sabarimala has been compromised, devotees misled, and public trust shattered,” he proclaimed. “Those in power must be held accountable for the theft that has brought disgrace to the state.”
Point of View
The allegations surrounding the Sabarimala temple gold highlight a pressing need for transparency and accountability in religious institutions. The accusations made by V.D. Satheesan, backed by High Court findings, suggest a troubling breach of trust between the government and the public, necessitating an impartial investigation to restore faith in the system.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sabarimala temple gold scandal?
The Sabarimala temple gold scandal involves allegations that the gold from the temple's Dwarapalaka plates was stolen and sold for crores of rupees, purportedly with approval from the Devaswom Board and the government.
Who is V.D. Satheesan?
V.D. Satheesan is the Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, who has been vocal about the alleged theft and sale of the Sabarimala temple gold.
What did the High Court say about the allegations?
The High Court's findings have confirmed the Opposition's claims of theft and fraud involving the Sabarimala temple gold.
What actions are being demanded by the Opposition?
The Opposition is demanding the resignation of Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan and the dismissal of the Devaswom Board over the gold scandal.
What impact has this scandal had on public trust?
The scandal has significantly undermined public trust, with many devotees feeling deceived and calling for accountability from those in power.
