Pathanamthitta: The controversy over the gold plating of the Dwarapalaka idols at Sabarimala has intensified, with Kandararu Rajeevaru publicly refuting claims made by former Administrative Officer Murari Babu.

On Wednesday, Rajeevaru stated that he had not granted permission to transport the idols to Chennai for gold plating. “What Murari Babu said is not right. I only permitted minor repair work at Sabarimala itself,” he said. Murari Babu was suspended by the Travancore Devasom Board on Tuesday in connection with the episode.

According to the Tantri, the fading on the idols was confined to a small portion of the lower section, and his written approval allowed restoration on-site only. “At no point did I grant permission to take the idols outside the shrine. They were moved to Chennai without my consent,” he emphasised.

Rajeevaru also clarified that the entire structure, including the Dwarapalaka idols, is coated with gold, not copper, as has been alleged in some reports. “All my communications clearly refer to gold. Whether in 2019 or now, I have never authorised sending the idols out for gold plating,” he added.

Meanwhile, questions have emerged about the handling of the idols and alterations to the restoration process. The Tiruvabharanam Commissioner had previously found that Chennai Smart Creations, the contractor, lacked the technical expertise to remove and reapply gold plating. That finding was quietly reversed within eight days, permitting traditional gold plating at the Sannidhanam instead.

A key email issued on July 30 to the Executive Officer was later withdrawn without explanation. The reversal reportedly followed discussions with sponsor Unnikrishnan Potty, raising further concerns.

The Tantri’s latest statements have intensified scrutiny over whether due process and temple tradition were bypassed in handling the Dwarapalaka idols. The matter is now expected to attract closer examination from the Devaswom Board and state authorities, as calls grow for a transparent investigation.

IANS