Kochi
Kerala Assembly Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Saturday demanded a detailed CBI investigation into the Sabarimala gold controversy, calling for accountability from the Devaswom Board and the state government. He also urged the resignation of the temple affairs minister and the Devaswom Board president, and action against present and former officials, including ex-Minister Kadakampally Surendran.
Satheesan questioned the handling of about 30 kg of gold donated by Vijay Mallya’s UB Group in 1998, seeking clarity on how much remains at Sabarimala. He pointed to discrepancies in the removal of gold items in 2019, which took nearly 40 days to reach Chennai, despite a Kerala High Court verdict noting irregularities. Reports suggested only copper plates were transported, raising suspicion that the gold was melted locally.
He criticised the Devaswom Board for covering up losses despite detecting irregularities years earlier. “Questions remain about Unnikrishnan Potti, alleged to be an intermediary. He was again called to Chennai in 2025 to perform rituals despite past shortages. This raises serious concerns,” Satheesan said.
Highlighting issues beyond gold, Satheesan pointed to irregular movements of temple assets like door-guardian sculptures and pedestals to private locations. He alleged collusion between officials and intermediaries to profit from temple wealth.
“This is not merely a shortage of gold. It reflects systemic failure and cover-up. A court-supervised CBI investigation must reveal facts, hold the guilty accountable, and restore public trust,” he said. Satheesan praised the High Court’s vigilance and urged central agencies to take action under its guidance.
