The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) on Thursday formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged financial irregularities in the sale of Adiya Sishtam Ghee at Sabarimala temple. The move follows observations and directions issued by the Kerala High Court earlier this week. The SIT will be led by Superintendent of Police Mahesh Kumar.

The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of Sabarimala following a recent high-profile gold theft, raising concerns over financial oversight and accountability at one of India’s most prominent temples. The High Court had taken suo motu cognizance based on a report submitted by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner.

The report alleged criminal misappropriation of proceeds from the sale of ghee packets at various counters in the temple. The High Court observed that some officers of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) appeared to be prioritizing personal gain over their duty to the institution and devotees.

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During a preliminary verification, the VACB detected irregularities amounting to Rs 36.24 lakh, including around Rs 13 lakh linked to the sale of 13,679 ghee packets whose proceeds allegedly were not credited to the Board’s account. The official overseeing the ghee sale, Sunil Kumar Potti, was suspended following the preliminary inquiry.

The High Court emphasized that transparency, accountability, and robust technological safeguards are statutory obligations for the Board, cautioning that continued lapses may indicate complicity or unwillingness by senior officials to prevent such misconduct.

The SIT will now conduct a detailed investigation, examining financial records, stock movement, and the roles of officials involved. The probe will continue under court monitoring, as authorities aim to restore public confidence in the temple’s administration.

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