Sabarimala gold theft: Devaswom Board president Prasanth, Thiruvabharanam Commissioner in trouble; Board minutes to be seized

KOCHI: The current Devaswom Board, including the President and the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner, are likely to be implicated in the Sabarimala gold theft case. The High Court's Devaswom Bench observed that the Devaswom Board was keen to entrust the repair work of the Dwarapalaka sculptures to Unnikrishnan Potty in 2025, possibly to cover up the gold theft that occurred in 2019.

The court also directed the special investigation team to uncover the full extent of the criminal conspiracy behind the Sabarimala gold theft. Currently, PS Prasanth serves as Devaswom President, and Rajilal as Thiruvabharanam Commissioner. Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan brought the matter to the court’s attention.

“Every Devaswom official involved in the theft must be brought before the law. The investigation must extend from the top of the Travancore Devaswom Board to all individuals involved,” the bench, comprising Justices V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and K.V. Jayakumar, instructed. An order was also issued to seize the Devaswom Board minutes. The case concerning the 2019 theft was considered first in court, following a change in the previously published priority list.

In 1998-99, 30.291 kg of gold were used to cover the Sreekovil and other areas. In 2019, it was handed over to Potty under the false pretext of copper sheets. The officials did not properly supervise the transfer. When the gold was returned, its weight was not properly recorded, resulting in a shortfall of 474.9 grams. Despite indications in Potty’s emails, no one attempted to recover the missing gold, suggesting deliberate inaction. The interim order stated that this points to a large-scale conspiracy, and no one can cover it up by blaming others.

Officials must appear in person

So far, two cases have been registered regarding the missing gold from the Dwarapalaka idols and door frames in 2019. The hearing took place in a closed courtroom to maintain the confidentiality of the investigation. Investigation officer SP S Sasidharan submitted a sealed report. Government lawyers were asked to leave the room, and future hearings will also be held in secret. Officials leading the investigation must appear in person during the next hearing on November 5.

Alleged conspiracy behind 2025 gold plating

The Thiruvabharanam Commissioner Rajilal initially objected to the 2025 deal. He had taken the stance that the repair work should be done in the traditional manner at Sannidhanam. However, following instructions from the Devaswom Board President, he communicated with Unnikrishnan Potty, and the gold sheets were handed over. In 2024, the gold plating of Dwarapalaka idols and pedestals was evaluated by the Commissioner and Devaswom Smith, but in 2025, Potty was given the work without calling tenders or consulting experts. The 40-year warranty of the idols was also ignored. The High Court suggested that this could have been an attempt to cover up the earlier gold theft.