Gold panels donated by Vijay Mallya completely disappeared; five kg of gold was used for Dwarapalaka sculptures, reveals supervisor appointed by Mallya

PATHANAMTHITTA: A shocking revelation has come to light that U.B. Group chairman Vijay Mallya had given over 30 kilograms of pure gold to Sabarimala, out of which more than 5 kilograms were used for the Dwarapalaka sculptures. The information comes from Senthilnath, a Tamil Nadu native living in Kochi, who was appointed by Mallya to supervise the work. Senthilnath was present at the Sannidhanam when the gold sheets were applied.

It has been revealed that these details were deliberately concealed. The guidelines in the Devaswom manual regarding the deity’s gold and other valuables were completely sabotaged and records were falsified to show that copper sheets were used instead, and the panels were taken to Chennai.

As a result, the Devaswom Board and senior officials cannot avoid responsibility for the disappearance of five kilograms of 24-carat gold sheets. Each Dwarapalaka sculpture used about 2.5 kilograms of gold, which was imported from Switzerland. According to current rates, the total value of the gold is around Rs 5.31 crore. This revelation has weakened earlier claims by former Devaswom president A. Padmakumar, other officials, and sponsor Unnikrishnan Potty, who had said that copper sheets were used in 2019.

Investigations also indicate a major conspiracy behind the disappearance of the Thiruvabharanam register and the Mahasar in 1999, which had recorded the gold sheets, and the later recording of copper sheets in the 2019 Mahasar and register.

Violations and lapses:

1. According to the Devaswom manual, valuable items in the temple should not be taken outside its premises. Work on such items can only be done after obtaining the deity’s permission, following proper temple procedures, and with court approval. Such work is allowed only during daylight hours.
2. From 1991–92, a High Court-appointed Special Commissioner was tasked with overseeing all activities at Sabarimala. Any work must be reported to the Commissioner, who then informs the High Court.
3. The gold sheets on the Dwarapalaka sculptures were removed for over a month without supervision from officials or police. They were displayed in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Peralimatta, Moovattupuzha, which is a serious violation and may amount to a criminal offence. The Special Commissioner at the time did not take proper action.