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Kerala Assembly Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan on Saturday strongly condemned the alleged Sabarimala gold-plated idol theft and demanded action against those who are involved.
The controversy surrounds the theft of gold-plated Dwarapalaka idols and pedestals at the Lord Ayyappa temple. The leader of the Opposition called it a "robbery of Swami Ayyappa's gold" and said that if action is not taken, they would start agitation. Satheesan held the former and current Devaswom Board Presidents, along with the former and present Devaswom Ministers, responsible for the controversy. Speaking to ANI, Satheesan said, "This is a robbery of Swami Ayyappa's gold. Former and present Devaswom Board President, and former and present Devaswom Minister are responsible for this. We demand the resignation of the present Devaswom Board President and Minister. An investigation has to be initiated against all four people. This is a shocking thing for Ayyappa devotees. If action is not taken, we will start our agitation." Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president PS Prasanth on Saturday said that the Board, along with the Devaswom Minister, has decided to approach the Court for a comprehensive investigation into the matter. Speaking to ANI on the issue, Prasanth said, "I met with the Devaswom Minister yesterday, and both the Minister and the Board have decided to request the court for a comprehensive probe covering everything from Vijay Mallya's gold plating in 1998 up to the events of 2025. This will include the shortfall in gold, other doubts related to the gold, and all such controversies." He emphasised that a great temple like Sabarimala should never be left under a cloud of suspicion. "For us, there is nothing to hide or conceal, which is why we are demanding a detailed investigation. In 2025, when the Dwarapalaka gold plates were taken to Chennai, all due procedures were strictly followed. We have nothing to hide or suppress in this matter," the TDB President said. Meanwhile, the Vigilance wing of the TDB is currently investigating the alleged theft of two copper-gold-leaf-covered metal plaques donated to the Sabarimala temple in 2019. There are also allegations surrounding the more than 30 kg of gold donated to the temple by industrialist Vijay Mallya in 1998. The TDB Vigilance has reported that key records related to Mallya's donations had gone missing from the Sabarimala Executive Office. (ANI)
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