Reports suggest certain daily-wage workers targeted pilgrims arriving in groups. Temporary staff identity cards were allegedly misused to gain trust and approach devotees.
Amid ongoing media and public scrutiny over the Sabarimala gold theft case, fresh allegations have surfaced that some daily-wage workers may have cheated pilgrims, with suspected collections nearing ₹50 lakh during the last Mandala–Makaravilakku season.
Reports suggest certain daily-wage workers targeted pilgrims arriving in groups. Temporary staff identity cards were allegedly misused to gain trust and approach devotees.
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Some are suspected of offering quicker ghee abhishekam access without queues, charging up to ₹500. Money was also allegedly taken to facilitate darshan.
Pilgrims were reportedly pressured to deposit cash in the rice collection vessel tied to the irumudikettu. Collections were also allegedly made in the name of ‘charadu pooja’.
Suspected collections and vigilance inquiry
Reports indicate some daily-wage workers may have amassed money amounting to around ₹50 lakh. It is said funds were transferred to relatives through the post office and two banks in Sannidhanam during the last Mandala–Makaravilakku season.
Multiple remittances — often up to ₹6,000 at a time — were reportedly sent on different days between November 17 and December 31, 2025.
The alleged cheating surfaced after confidential information reached Sabarimala Executive Officer O.G. Biju. A Devaswom vigilance inquiry followed, and its report was submitted to the Kerala High Court by Sabarimala Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan.
It is said around 50 individuals may have collected at least ₹1 lakh each, bringing the suspected total close to ₹50 lakh.
Postal alerts and transaction details
Postal staff reportedly alerted the executive officer after noticing currency notes smeared with turmeric, sacred ash and vermilion being sent.
About ₹14.08 lakh was allegedly transferred via money orders from the Sannidhanam post office alone. It is suspected that some daily-wage workers sent these money orders. The total may rise once bank transaction details are fully assessed.
Information on those sending over ₹25,000 has been submitted to the High Court. Among identified senders:
- R. Pradeep, Adoor — ₹1,38,000
- Bijukumar, Vithura — ₹1,07,45
- R. Ajimon, Kollam — ₹47,400
- Arun Krishnan, Kollam — ₹27,910
Statements from those involved are expected to be taken soon. Devaswom vigilance suspects similar practices may have occurred in earlier seasons, and some identified individuals were also present during monthly poojas.
Published: 10 Feb 2026, 08:01 am IST
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