The Kerala High Court on Thursday ordered a vigilance inquiry into the alleged loss of 4.54 kilograms of gold from the Dwarapalaka idols at the Sabarimala temple. The court flagged serious concerns after noting that the weight of the gold-clad copper plates and pedestals had dropped significantly during the 2019 re-plating process.
According to records, the copper plates and pedestals covering the idols originally weighed 42.8 kilograms when they were removed in 2019 for re-plating, a process sponsored by devotee Unnikrishnan Potti. When the items were handed over to Smart Creations, a Chennai-based electroplating firm, the total weight was recorded as 38.258 kilograms, showing a reduction of 4.54 kilograms. After re-plating, the weight increased only to 38.653 kilograms, which still fell short of the original weight.
The bench, comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K.V. Jayakumar, observed that the reduction was glaring and remained unexplained. The court noted that the loss could only be attributed to the gold cladding and expressed concern over the lack of accountability. It also criticised the Travancore Devaswom Board for failing to seek prior approval from the Sabarimala Special Commissioner or the High Court before transporting the items to Chennai.
The judges directed the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer, a Superintendent of Police under the Travancore Devaswom Board, to carry out a detailed probe and seize all related records, including sponsorship details, financial records, mahazar reports and job orders. The vigilance officer has been asked to submit a comprehensive report within three weeks.
The court further directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to extend full cooperation to the inquiry. It stated that the matter involved not only valuable property but also issues of trust, transparency and accountability in the administration of temple assets.
The order has drawn attention to the need for greater oversight in handling sacred property at temples, with devotees and accountability groups closely monitoring the outcome of the vigilance probe.
