A major scandal involving the misappropriation of gold from the revered Sabarimala temple has come to light following the submission of an interim report by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the incident. The report, presented to the Kerala High Court, alleges a deliberate criminal conspiracy involving several high-ranking officials associated with the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), the body responsible for managing religious properties in the state. The allegations center around the removal and subsequent misappropriation of gold from the Dwarapalakas—two deities enshrined at the Sabarimala shrine—during gold-plating operations conducted between 2019 and 2025.
According to the SIT's findings, the Dwarapalakas, which had been originally clad in gold in 1998, were moved from Sabarimala to Chennai in 2019 at the behest of Unnikrishnan Potti, the sponsor of the gold-plating project. During this transfer, TDB officers reportedly misrepresented the coverings on the idols as copper plates instead of gold, thereby enabling the extraction of the valuable metal. Once in Chennai, the original gold cladding was stripped away, with only a small portion used for the new plating. The rest of the extracted gold was allegedly siphoned off and misappropriated by those involved.
The SIT investigation also uncovered evidence of a false certification issued by the involved parties, claiming that the newly applied gold plating would last for 40 years. However, within a short period, the plating began to deteriorate, revealing the copper underneath. This deterioration prompted the conspirators to devise another scheme in 2025, using the pretext of conducting fresh gold-plating to once again transport the Dwarapalakas to Chennai. This move aimed to conceal the earlier misappropriation of gold and prevent scrutiny over the poor quality of the initial work.
The interim report highlights the roles played by multiple individuals, including P.S. Prashanth, former president of the TDB, Murari Babu, the Executive Officer of Sabarimala, and Unnikrishnan Potti, along with others such as A. Ajikumar, Kandararu Rajeevaru, and Rejilal, the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner of the TDB. These individuals are accused of working together in a premeditated plan, committing offenses such as criminal breach of trust, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. The charges are based on sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, a legal framework that governs criminal procedures in India.
The Kerala High Court, after reviewing the SIT's findings, has ordered stringent actions against those implicated, emphasizing the need for swift justice under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The court has also instructed the SIT to expedite the preparation of its final report, ensuring that all relevant information is compiled and presented promptly. Additionally, the court noted the potential involvement of other TDB members, including Sundareshan, Bindhu, Mahesh Mohanararu, Sunila, O.G. Biju, Sreenivas, Hemanth, Pandurangaiah Naga Govardhan, and V.S. Rajendra Prasad, and directed the SIT to investigate their roles if there is sufficient evidence linking them to the misappropriation.
As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on uncovering the full extent of the conspiracy and determining the fate of those implicated. The case has drawn significant public attention, given the cultural and religious significance of the Sabarimala temple. The outcome of the ongoing judicial proceedings will likely have far-reaching implications, not only for the individuals involved but also for the governance and accountability mechanisms within religious institutions in the region. The next hearing is scheduled for July 20, when the court will review the progress of the investigation and decide on further steps.
3 reports
Hindustan TimesIndependentProgressiveFactual 90Objective 806 days agoThe Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the alleged theft of gold from the Sabarimala temple has linked Unnikrishnan Potty, a key accused, and officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to a conspiracy involving the transportation of 'dwarapalaka' (guardian) idols to Chennai under the pretense of gold re-plating. This action was allegedly intended to cover up the 2019 theft of gold from the temple's door frames and idols. The SIT submitted its findings to the Kerala High Court, revealing that TDB officials colluded with Potty to document the idols as copper plates, enabling the removal of original gold and its replacement with a thin layer. At the Chennai-based firm Smart Creations, the original gold was reportedly stripped, with most of it allegedly stolen. A false warranty certificate was issued to mask the fraud, but the poor-quality re-plating led to exposure within months. The SIT also claims that Potty gained the confidence of TDB president P S Prasanth, who was persuaded to authorize the conspiracy. The court has allowed the SIT to pursue further legal action regarding the movement of the idols in 2025.
Bias read (Progressive): The article presents the actions of TDB officials and their potential complicity in a financial crime, emphasizing the misuse of authority and institutional corruption. While the focus is on the legal and administrative misconduct rather than overt ideological positions, the framing highlights the T
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 80): Factuality is strong as the article presents the SIT's findings and charges against officials with specific details. Objectivity is good but slightly lower due to the emphasis on the conspiracy and the potential implications for the temple, though it remains largely factual.
The HinduIndependentCenterFactual 88Objective 755 days agoA public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Kerala High Court challenging the Kerala State Waqf Board's decision to upload details of the disputed Munambam land to the UMEED portal, a centralized digital platform managed by the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs. The petition, filed by the Assembly of Christian Services Trust (ACTS), argues that the board lacks legal authority due to improper constitution and insufficient non-Muslim representation, as required by the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995. The petition claims the board's current structure violates legal mandates and seeks its dissolution and reconstitution. The issue has sparked controversy, with the board defending its actions as legally required. Another related petition by BJP leader Shone George is also pending in court.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the petitioners' arguments and the Waqf Board's defense without overtly favoring either side. It includes multiple perspectives and legal references, maintaining a balanced tone.
Why these scores (Factual 88 · Objective 75): Factuality is high as the article outlines the PIL regarding the Munambam property upload and references legal requirements. Objectivity is moderate due to the concern raised about displacement of families, which may reflect a particular viewpoint rather than presenting all sides equally.
The HinduIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 705 days ago PIL challenges renewal of bar licences, seeks CBI probeA public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Kerala High Court challenging a government order that grants and renews bar licenses to hotels based on star ratings. The PIL, filed by M.M. Sanjeev Kumar from Kollam, argues that the directive is illegal and alleges a 'deep-rooted criminal conspiracy' between state officials and the hotel industry. The petition claims that the new order contradicts previous guidelines requiring valid star classifications for bar license renewals. It also calls for an independent Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged collusion.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as a potential abuse of power and corruption, highlighting allegations of conspiracy and collusion between state authorities and the hotel lobby. While the legal arguments are presented neutrally, the emphasis on 'criminal conspiracy' and the call for an impartial CBI调查（
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): Factuality is high as the article accurately describes the PIL challenging bar license renewals and cites legal provisions. Objectivity is lower due to the use of emotionally charged terms like 'deep-rooted criminal conspiracy' and the implication of collusion without direct evidence.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.
Become a Supporter
India
