A prominent Hindu temple in southern India, the Sabarimala shrine, is currently under scrutiny following allegations of gold being stripped from idols. The Kerala High Court has indicated evidence supporting these claims, leading to a special investigation. The incident involves the alleged pilferage of gold from temple idols and structures, an occurrence that has resulted in arrests and an ongoing judicial inquiry.
The Sabarimala shrine, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, attracts millions of pilgrims annually. The temple previously gained attention for its restrictions on women of menstruating age, a policy that the Supreme Court initially ordered to end but later put on hold for review following protests.
Allegations of Gold Theft
The current investigation centers on two gold-clad idols of Dwarapalakas, or door guards, positioned outside the sanctum sanctorum. The Kerala High Court initiated the case in September after a report by the court-appointed Sabarimala Special Commissioner indicated that gold-cladding on these idols had been removed in multiple areas.
Records presented to the court show that 30.291kg of gold, reportedly donated by businessman Vijay Mallya, was used in 1998-99 for gold-cladding on the idols and other temple components, including pillars, door arches, and panels.
Investigation Findings
A two-judge bench, Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and KV Jayakumar, has been reviewing records, photographs, and documents compiled by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The court noted that when it directed temple officials to produce files related to the idols' repair, it uncovered further issues.
The court stated that in July 2019, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the temple, permitted Unnikrishnan Potty, a former assistant priest, to remove the idols for new gold-cladding. When the idols were returned two months later, they were not weighed. Subsequent investigations, however, indicated a significant reduction in their weight.
Further SIT investigations have identified pilferage from pedestals and door frames, with approximately 4.54kg of gold reported missing since 2019. The judges have referred to the case as "a heist and plundering of gold."
Court's Observations and Criticism
The court noted that allowing Mr. Potty to remove the idols was an unusual procedure, as repair work is typically conducted within the temple premises. It also highlighted that the TDB had recorded the gold-clad items as "copper plates" when handing them over.
The judges criticized the temple board for allowing Mr. Potty to retain approximately 474.9g of gold after the repairs. An email from Mr. Potty to the board, requesting permission to use this "surplus gold" for the marriage of an acquaintance or relative, was cited by the court as "deeply disturbing and exposes, yet again, the extent of the impropriety involved."
Arrests and Statements
Unnikrishnan Potty has been arrested and placed in judicial custody. Following his arrest, he reportedly told journalists that he was being "trapped" and that "The truth will come out. Those who trapped me in this will face the law. Everything will be revealed."
Police have also arrested two TDB officials. The board's president, PS Prasanth, who is also under investigation, has not commented directly to the BBC but previously stated that the "current board had nothing to do with the issue," while affirming his cooperation with the investigation and his hope for justice.
The SIT has been allotted six weeks to complete its investigation. The court has committed to "identify and bring to book every person culpable in the matter… irrespective of the position, influence or status of the person."
Political Reactions
Opposition legislators have conducted protests outside the state assembly in response to the alleged gold theft.