Investigations have confirmed allegations that gold plating was removed from several idols at Kerala’s Sabarimala Temple. The state’s High Court has stated that the gold covering on certain temple idols was stripped off, shocking millions of devotees.
According to a BBC report, it has long been customary to decorate Sabarimala’s idols and ornaments with gold and silver donated by devotees. The incident is being seen as a serious breach of faith.
The Kerala High Court has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Former assistant priest Unnikrishnan Patti and two others have been arrested. The investigation is being overseen by Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K.V. Jayakumar.
At the centre of the controversy are two ‘Dwarapalaka’ guardian idols. A court-appointed commissioner’s report revealed that large portions of gold plating were missing from both. Records show that in 1998–99, 30.291 kg of gold donated by industrialist Vijay Mallya was used to plate idols, pillars and ornamental structures.
In 2019, with approval from the Travancore Devaswom Board, Unnikrishnan Patti was instructed to take the idols outside the temple for re-plating. After two months the idols were returned but without weighing them. Later investigations found a significant weight loss — roughly 4.54 kg of gold missing.
The High Court has described the case as “looting and robbery”. Upon arrest, Patti claimed he was being framed. The SIT has also detained two more board officials. Board president P.S. Prasanth is under investigation but maintains the incident did not occur under the current board’s tenure.
The court also revealed that Patti had kept 474.9 grams of gold in his possession after repair work and had emailed the board seeking permission to use it for a girl’s wedding — something the court called “deeply concerning”.
The High Court stated that no one involved, regardless of influence or position, will be spared. The next hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
TSN