The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has arrested transport contractor S S Binu over the alleged diversion of 11,000 litres of Milma ghee meant for Sabarimala temple and its replacement with a cheaper product. Investigators have estimated that the alleged operation caused a loss of approximately ₹2.5 crore to the Travancore Devaswom Board. The arrest is the first in the case, which is being investigated following a Kerala High Court directive to examine alleged irregularities in the procurement and quality of ghee supplied to the hill shrine.
According to officials, Binu had been awarded the contract to transport ghee to Sabarimala for the 2025 pilgrimage season. He was summoned for questioning by the vigilance agency on Friday and was subsequently arrested. The ghee had been procured for use in preparing Aravana payasam, a sweet made with red rice, jaggery and ghee that is distributed as prasadam to devotees visiting the Lord Ayyappa temple.
The investigation centres on allegations that the original Milma ghee consignment was diverted to two firms in Tamil Nadu and replaced with a less expensive product that was delivered to the temple. Milma is the brand name of the Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation. Officials suspect that the alleged substitution was carried out to divert the higher-value ghee while supplying an alternative product to meet the temple's requirements.
Also Read: Report Claims US Sought Starlink Service Suspensions Across Ukraine, Iran And Other Nations
Investigators have also alleged that forged documents, including fake invoices, were used to facilitate the diversion. The original consignment was allegedly routed to Sri Venkateswara Traders and Leo Traders, both based in Ottanchathiram in Tamil Nadu, according to officials cited in reports on the case. The precise role of the firms and the individuals involved remains subject to investigation, and the allegations have not yet been established in court.
The procurement process has also come under scrutiny. Officials said the Travancore Devaswom Board directly awarded the supply contract to the Pathanamthitta Milma dairy without inviting quotations. The transportation contract was subsequently awarded to Binu. Investigators are examining the alleged diversion and the arrangements under which the ghee was procured, transported and delivered to the temple.
The estimated loss to the board stands at around ₹2.5 crore, according to the vigilance agency. The Kerala High Court's directive to investigate alleged procurement and quality irregularities has brought the supply chain for an important temple offering under scrutiny. Further investigation is under way to establish how the alleged diversion occurred, verify the documents involved and determine the responsibility of those connected with the transaction.
Also Read: Kerala Governor’s First-Day Decision To Serve Only Vegetarian Food At Lok Bhavan Draws Criticism