Ex-TDB official Murari Babu, accused in Sabarimala gold loss case, dies at 54

Minister K Muraleedharan, the Devaswom Minister of Kerala, has publicly requested the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to rescind a recent directive assigning individuals currently under investigation in the Sabarimala gold loss case to prominent roles within the board. This request comes amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding the management of the revered hill shrine and the broader implications of alleged financial mismanagement linked to the temple. Muraleedharan expressed concerns that the continued appointment of officials under inquiry might undermine public trust in the board’s integrity and potentially implicate the current administration in the controversy.

The minister made this appeal during a press briefing in Guruvayur, where he emphasized that although the TDB operates independently, the state government remains vigilant about ensuring transparency and accountability. He stated that the board’s leadership, including President K Jayakumar, was appointed by the previous ruling coalition but was now being held to higher standards of impartiality. Muraleedharan argued that unless the circular is revised, there would be an implicit assumption that the current board shares responsibility for the alleged gold loss. He reiterated that the state government would take further action if the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT)—which is still awaiting the filing of formal charge sheets—fail to meet expectations.

The SIT, tasked with probing the gold loss case, has yet to submit its final reports, which are critical to determining the extent of wrongdoing and identifying those responsible. Muraleedharan highlighted that the department would assess the validity of the charge sheets before deciding on additional measures. He also hinted at the possibility of new revelations emerging, citing statements from former Devaswom minister V N Vasavan, who suggested that more information could surface once former TDB president A Padmakumar completes his upcoming book detailing alleged irregularities. These claims include accusations that Padmakumar and other officials were deliberately excluded from certain duties on the day two women entered the temple in January 2019, an event that sparked national debate over religious customs and gender norms.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala responded to these developments by dismissing calls for a new probe into Padmakumar’s alleged disclosures. He pointed out that Padmakumar, already a primary suspect in the gold loss case, is subject to ongoing legal scrutiny. Chennithala stressed that the SIT, operating under judicial oversight, would determine the relevance of any new information rather than initiating a separate investigation. Additionally, Padmakumar is currently facing internal disciplinary actions within the Communist Party of India (CPI), with a decision expected from the Pathanamthitta district committee.

In parallel, the passing of Murari Babu, a former TDB official implicated in the gold loss case, adds a somber dimension to the unfolding narrative. Babu, 54, succumbed to cancer after a prolonged illness, having been under investigation for his alleged role in facilitating the unauthorized removal of gold from the temple’s sacred structures. Arrested in October 2025, Babu was initially suspended from his position as Deputy Devaswom Commissioner before being formally charged. His case highlights the complex web of personal and institutional responsibilities tied to the management of the Sabarimala temple, where spiritual and administrative functions often intersect.

As the situation continues to evolve, all parties involved—government officials, law enforcement agencies, and political actors—are navigating a delicate balance between maintaining public confidence and adhering to due process. With the SIT’s findings pending and potential new revelations looming, the coming weeks will likely see heightened scrutiny and possibly renewed calls for transparency and reform within the TDB. The outcome of these developments may significantly shape the future governance of one of Kerala’s most iconic religious sites.