The case of theft of gold in Sabarimala Ayyappa temple in Kerala has now taken the form of a big political and religious controversy. This controversy is related to allegations of alleged irregularities in applying gold coating on the Dwarapalaka statues.
This entire matter was initially limited to vigilance investigation into the missing gold. This has now given rise to demands for a court-monitored CBI probe, massive protests in the state assembly and sharp allegations and counter-allegations between the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), the state government and the opposition.
Meanwhile, Kerala High Court has intervened and ordered investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Now everyone’s eyes are on how and where the 30.3 kg gold donated to the temple by industrialist Vijay Mallya went missing in the investigation and whether it will come to light or not. Along with this, who will be held responsible for this alleged scam will also be an important point of investigation. This is being said to be the biggest scam related to temple management in the history of the state.
What is the whole controversy,
The gold theft controversy at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple pertains to 30.3 kg gold and 1,900 kg copper, which was donated by industrialist Vijay Mallya in 1998 for the sanctum sanctorum and wooden carvings of the temple. During a review by the Kerala High Court, it was revealed that the weight of the gold layers had reduced significantly over time. Due to this, the possibility of theft and corruption started increasing, which raises serious questions on the functioning of Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).
Travancore Devaswom Board gave statement on the issue
TDB Chairman P.S. Prashant said the vigilance wing of the board has found negligence on the part of nine officials and one of them, Deputy Devaswom Commissioner B. Action has been taken against Murari Babu.
TDB Chairman Prashant told news agency PTI, ‘Vigilance has identified negligence on the part of 9 officials. We have taken action against Babu. The decision to take action against the remaining officers will be taken in the board meeting to be held on October 14, 2025.
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