VHP moves Kerala HC seeking CBI investigation in Sabarimala temple gold theft case

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has approached the Kerala High Court, seeking a CBI probe into the alleged Sabarimala temple gold theft case.

Expressing concern that the special investigation team (SIT), constituted by the High Court, may be influenced by the current ruling dispensation, whose leaders are also allegedly involved in the case, the VHP has demanded a CBI probe.

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The VHP, in its petition, also sought a directive to the various Devaswom Boards in the state (Travancore Devaswom Board, Cochin Devaswom Board, Malabar Devaswom Board and Guruvayur Devaswom Board) to conduct thorough audits and appraisals of the valuables and jewellery, kept in the custody of temple’s management, to examine their purity and weight.

When the matter came up for consideration on Monday before the Division Bench, comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K V Jayakumar, the counsel for the Malabar Devaswom Board submitted that it has only a supervisory role over more than 1,008 temples under it and that the trustees are in charge of individual temples. Thereupon, the court suggested the petitioner consider adding these trustees as parties to the case, observing that given the nature of the requests made, their inclusion might be necessary.

The petition, filed by VHP general secretary Anil Vilayil, alleged that Vakathanam police station inspector Aneesh and Kaipamangalam police station inspector Biju Radhakrishnan, who are part of the SIT, had earlier served as officers in devaswom vigilance during the period when the alleged gold theft and related discrepancies occurred at Sabarimala temple. The petition contended that this could potentially hamper the investigation.

The petitioner also pointed out that the gold-plated copper coverings of the Dwarapalaka idols had reportedly been taken to other states under the pretext of gold plating, and several individuals from other states were allegedly involved in the case. Hence, the petitioner argued, it would be just and proper to entrust the investigation to a central agency, under High Court’s supervision.

The VHP, in its plea, has referred to various newspaper reports in which other instances of missing precious articles belonging to the deity were brought to light, including the Sree Poornathayeesa temple in Thrippunithura. Thus, the petitioner has also prayed for a direction to the boards to conduct auditing and appraisal of precious articles and jewelries including gold, silver, copper and other precious metals and stones, including the purity and weight of the article kept in the custody of various temples managed by the Devaswom Boards, under the supervision of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). A direction is also sought to the Devaswom boards to produce the mahazars prepared during the past 20 years at the time of handing over the charge by one officer to another in all the temples.

The court on Monday sought instructions from the respondents on the petition and adjourned the matter to November 17.