TDB ignored 2019 warning on Sabarimala temple asset mismanagement

It has come to light that the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) ignored a formal warning issued in 2019 regarding possible misappropriation of valuable items at the Sabarimala shrine. The warning came from the then Thiruvabharanam Commissioner, R.G. Radhakrishnan, who had served at the temple that year.

In a letter dated September 2, 2019, addressed to the then TDB President A. Padmakumar, Radhakrishnan cautioned about serious lapses in the legal and procedural management of priceless temple assets, including sacred ornaments, vessels, and idols.

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The letter alleged that the property protection laws outlined in the Devaswom Manual were not being implemented in several temples under the Board’s control. It pointed out irregularities such as improper record-keeping of valuables, including the Thiruvabharanam ornaments, bells, sandalwood, silk, and jewellery, and criticized officials for negligence in safeguarding these assets—raising concerns about possible loss or theft.

Radhakrishnan also urged the Board to conduct periodic inventory audits, ensure secure storage for ancient and priceless items, and initiate legal and administrative reforms to prevent misuse.

He even offered to prepare a detailed inspection report subject to Board approval. However, no action was taken by the then President, and the letter reportedly went missing from official records.

Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold heist case on Thursday arrested former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner K.S. Biju in connection with the theft. He was taken into custody after questioning at the Crime Branch office in Thiruvananthapuram.

Biju, listed as the seventh accused, is alleged to have skipped an official event in 2019 during which gold sheets from Sabarimala were handed over to the main accused, Unnikrishnan Potty.

As the custodian of the shrine’s sacred artefacts, Biju was responsible for maintaining the mahazar (inventory record) and verifying the weight and condition of the valuables.

According to SIT findings, Biju willfully neglected his duties, facilitating the misappropriation of the temple’s gold assets orchestrated by Potty and others.