The Kerala High Court has ordered a special investigation team (SIT) to look into what many are calling the Sabarimala gold theft. The court will receive a final report in six weeks, and the investigation must remain confidential. Under the interim order, the SIT is required to keep all details inside the court and will submit a sealed dossier directly to the judges.
Vigilance officials have highlighted clear lapses in the official handling of the case. Devasom Board Minister V N Vasavan said in a press briefing that everyone who has responsibility should be held accountable. “This is nothing but theft,” Vasavan told reporters. “No culprit should escape justice.”
The controversy centers on a 30.3‑kilogram gold plate and 1,900 kilograms of copper that were donated in 1998 by industrialist Vijay Mallya for the temple’s sanctum and carvings. The gold plating work has raised concerns about whether proper procedures were followed and whether funds were misused.
BJP leader V Muraleedharan criticized the state government and urged the dismissal of the Devasom Minister and the dissolution of the Travancore‑Devaswom Board (TDB). He said the High Court’s call for a criminal probe shows a clear lack of trust in the board and government.
The court’s order does not add new charges but confirms that an investigation is necessary. It also stresses that the investigation’s findings be kept strictly confidential until the final report is delivered. In short, the SIT has a tight deadline, a clear mandate, and no room for leaks.
As the inquiry proceeds, all eyes will stay on the outcomes. If the investigation finds wrongdoing, the government will likely face pressure to replace the Devasom Minister and reshuffle the board. For now, the focus remains on completing the forensic review, keeping lines of communication open only with the High Court and ensuring that every questionable decision behind the temple’s gold work is clearly documented.
Source: aninews
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