Kerala High Court Greenlights Corruption Charges in Sabarimala Temple Gold Scandal
Corruption charges escalate in temple panel scandal.
The Special Investigation Team has been authorized by the Kerala High Court to invoke the Prevention of Corruption Act in the Sabarimala gold theft case, intensifying the probe into alleged misconduct by senior Travancore Devaswom Board officials. The application of the Act is expected to transfer proceedings to the Vigilance Court in Kollam, which holds jurisdiction over Pathanamthitta district, as investigators pursue charges of deliberate misclassification of gold-plated temple panels.
Former TDB president N Vasu was arrested on Tuesday for his central role in facilitating the transfer of gold-plated door panels from Sabarimala Sannidhanam to prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti under the pretext of restoration. He was produced before the Pathanamthitta Judicial First-Class Magistrate Court and remanded in judicial custody until November 24, currently detained at Kottarakkara Sub Jail.
The SIT had sought High Court approval to apply PC Act provisions, enabling prosecution of officials for abuse of authority and intentional undervaluation of sacred assets. Evidence indicates the panels, part of temple carvings and sculptures, were systematically misrepresented to enable their removal from the shrine premises.
Also Read: Kerala HC Finds Major Lapses In Sabarimala Sanctum Door Repair Amid Gold Theft Probe
With corruption allegations now formally integrated, the investigation is expanding, and former TDB president and CPM leader K Padmakumar is slated for questioning. The development underscores a critical phase in efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the breach of trust at the revered pilgrimage site.
As the case progresses, public and devotee scrutiny remains focused on the recovery of the misappropriated temple property and the restoration of institutional integrity within one of India’s most significant religious administrations.
Also Read: #JustIn: SIT Arrests Former Sabarimala Executive Officer Over Missing Gold Scandal
