Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: A major controversy has rocked the revered Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, with the Congress-led Opposition demanding a CBI investigation into the alleged misappropriation of a substantial quantity of gold donated to the shrine. The Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V. D. Satheesan, alleged on Monday that more than 5 kilograms of gold—part of a larger donation—is unaccounted for, sparking widespread outrage and forcing the temporary adjournment of the Kerala Legislative Assembly proceedings amid a massive political uproar.
The controversy centres around the gold used for the plating of the temple’s Dwarapalaka (door guardian) idols and the sanctum sanctorum.
The Heart of the Allegation: Missing Gold and Missing Records
The current scandal traces its roots to a massive donation of over 30 kilograms of gold and copper made by industrialist Vijay Mallya and the UB Group back in 1998 for the original gold plating work completed in 1999.
According to Congress allegations and initial reports from the Travancore Devaswom Board’s (TDB) own vigilance wing, the following points have raised serious suspicion:
- Missing Gold: When the gold-plated panels were sent for repairs in 2019, a significant discrepancy in weight was noted. The Opposition leader claims over 5 kg of the original gold, valued at crores of rupees, is missing. This gold was allegedly stolen during the period when the plates were in transit or custody for repair.
- Missing Records: The TDB Vigilance wing itself has reported that key registers and supporting documents concerning the quantity of gold utilized from the 1998 donation have gone missing from the Sabarimala Executive Office, raising suspicion of a deliberate cover-up and record tampering.
- Procedural Lapses: The gold coverings were allegedly removed and sent to workshops in Chennai without the mandatory prior intimation to the court-appointed Sabarimala Special Commissioner and in violation of temple manuals requiring repairs to be conducted on the premises.
Congress Demands High-Court Monitored CBI Probe
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has rejected the ongoing TDB Vigilance probe, asserting that the multi-state ramifications and the alleged involvement of board members and political figures necessitate a central agency investigation.
“This is not just a shortage; it is a clear case of theft and fraud involving huge quantities of a devotee’s offering to Lord Ayyappa,” Satheesan stated. He further demanded that the investigation be conducted by the CBI under the direct supervision of the Kerala High Court to ensure impartiality and uncover the full extent of the systemic failure. The Opposition is also demanding the resignation of the state Devaswom Minister and the immediate removal of the TDB President.
Political Uproar Shuts Down Assembly
The gravity of the allegations was evident in the Kerala Assembly on Monday, where Opposition MLAs staged a massive protest in the well of the House, holding placards with slogans like “Ayyappan’s gold stolen.” The ensuing chaos forced Speaker A. N. Shamseer to cancel the Question Hour and adjourn the session. The ruling LDF government, while promising “strict action” against any culprits, has defended the TDB as an “autonomous institution” whose actions are overseen by the High Court.
With the controversy deepening and a prominent Ezhava community leader, Vellappally Natesan of the SNDP Yogam, also joining the chorus for a CBI probe, the Sabarimala gold row is set to become a major flashpoint in Kerala politics, underscoring the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the management of one of India’s most important temple trusts.
