A vigilance report submitted before the Kerala High Court has uncovered another instance of gold misappropriation in Sabarimala, this time linked to the gold plating of the side frames and lintel of the sanctum sanctorum. The findings point to a pattern of irregularities similar to the earlier fraud involving the gold-plated Dwarapalaka idols.
The High Court, while reviewing the report filed by the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer (Superintendent of Police), noted that although the initial investigation focused on the Dwarapalakas, the evidence now points to serious malpractice concerning the gold plating of the door frames as well.
According to the vigilance report, a significant quantity of gold, approximately 474.9 grams, was handed over to donor Unnikrishnan Potti for the Dwarapalaka idols. However, official records do not indicate that this gold was ever re-entrusted to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). The report states that the handling of gold-clad items, mischaracterised as “copper plates,” along with the unauthorised extraction and misappropriation of gold from these plates, constitute serious offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
The probe further reveals that in August 2019, fourteen pieces of gold-clad copper plates from the Dwarapalaka idols were handed over by Potti to Chennai-based Smart Creations. During inspection, traces of gold were found on the copper sheets. Although Smart Creations informed that it lacked the technical expertise to replate such items, Potti reportedly insisted that the work be carried out, issuing directions to utilise the previously extracted gold and any leftover material from the Dwarapalakas.
After cleaning, the gold plating work was undertaken in the presence of Potti and temple officials. On 4 September 2019, fourteen gold-plated copper plates were returned to Potti, along with a gold certificate showing 394.9 grams.
The investigation also records that a recovery specialist extracted 409 grams of gold from the side frame initially handed over and 577 grams from the Dwarapalakas and other fourteen items amounting to a total of 989 grams, which included three grams supplied by Potti himself.
The Travancore Devaswom Board Vigilance report has highlighted major procedural violations in the handling of gold from the Sabarimala Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) in 2019. It specifically noted that sending gold-clad plates outside the temple for replating constituted a serious breach of protocol. The report, which led the Kerala High Court to direct the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for a detailed probe, stated that it was improbable that the Dwarapalaka idols’ gold-clad plates were sent to Chennai without the knowledge of the then TDB members.
As per the TDB Manual, all work involving temple valuables must be carried out within the temple premises under proper supervision. The manual mandates that Thiruvabharanams (sacred ornaments) should be repaired under the immediate oversight of the Assistant Commissioner. These procedures, the report noted, were completely ignored when the plates were handed over to donor Unnikrishnan Potti on 20 July 2019. The plates were subsequently transported to Smart Creations in Chennai and returned only after 49 days. “It should be investigated whether there was pressure or direction from board members for this illegal act,” the report stated.
The vigilance report also raised questions about Potti’s financial background, noting that he had sponsored multiple gold-cladding works at Sabarimala despite having no permanent source of income. During the preliminary inquiry, investigators examined Potti’s income tax returns from 2017 to 2025 through his chartered accountant. The inquiry found that the gold plating of the temple’s door, which was publicly attributed to Potti, had in fact been funded by a Ballari-based businessman, Govardanan. Similarly, the gold plating of the door frame was financed by another Bengaluru-based businessman, Ajikumar.
The report also detailed Potti’s past contributions to the temple. In January 2025, he sponsored several pujas and decorative works near the 18 holy steps of Sabarimala, funded the construction of a lift at the Annadanamandapam, and donated ₹6 lakh towards Annadanam (the temple’s free meal service). In 2017, he had also donated ₹8.2 lakh, along with 17 tonnes of rice and 30 tonnes of vegetables.
The vigilance findings further identified lapses and accountability failures on the part of nine Devaswom officials who handed over the gold-clad plates of the Dwarapalaka idols to Potti in 2019. Those named in the report include former Administrative Officer Murari Babu, former Executive Officer D. Sudish Kumar, former Secretary S. Jayashree, Assistant Engineer K. Sunil Kumar, Administrative Officer S. Sreekumar, former Thiruvabharanam Commissioners K.S. Baiju and R.J. Radhakrishnan, former Executive Officer V.S. Rajendraprasad, former Administrative Officer K. Rajendran Nair, and then Deputy Devaswom Commissioner (Finance Inspection Wing).
The vigilance report concludes that the unauthorised removal, handling, and reprocessing of temple gold outside the Sabarimala premises reflect serious administrative negligence and possible criminal intent, warranting further investigation by the Special Investigation Team under court supervision.
(With inputs from The Hindu)
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