New Delhi: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday alleged a political conspiracy behind the Sabarimala gold controversy, asserting that those involved in the alleged misappropriation of temple gold will be brought to justice. This came hours after the Kerala High Court directed the state police to register a criminal case into the missing gold from the hill shrine’s side frames and lintels.

Alleged Conspiracy and Investigation

Vijayan, addressing the media in New Delhi, claimed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which administers Sabarimala, has shown no lapses so far. He alleged that the timing and sequence of events suggest a deliberate attempt to sabotage the recently concluded Sabarimala conclave held on September 22. “There was a conspiracy, and some elements wanted to sabotage the conclave,” he said, pointing to the role of Unnikrishnan Potty, the sponsor who oversaw the gold-plating work in 2019.

The Chief Minister noted that a missing temple pedestal was recovered from a relative’s residence, indicating possible concealment. He emphasised that the probe will uncover not only direct involvement but also external support: “who were all involved directly, who all helped from outside… and who were all involved from outside.”

High Court’s Findings

The Kerala High Court, in its order, observed that a “substantial quantity of gold, about 474.9 grams, was handed over to Unnikrishnan Potty” for gold-plating, but records do not confirm its return to the TDB. The court also found that gold cladding was misrepresented as “copper plates” in official documents, raising serious concerns about transparency and accountability.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted by the court to probe all aspects of the case, including the missing gold from the Dwarapalaka idols and pedestals (peedhams). The SIT, led by ADGP H Venkatesh, will operate under strict judicial oversight.

Political and Public Fallout

The controversy erupted after the Sabarimala Special Commissioner informed the court on September 9 that gold-clad items were removed and sent to Chennai for repair without prior approval, violating court orders and TDB protocols. The items, weighing 42.8 kg when sent in 2019, returned at 38.258 kg, indicating a loss of 4.541 kg of gold. Two pedestals were later recovered from Potty’s sister’s residence in Thiruvananthapuram.

The TDB claims the panels were never handed over to Potty, but court documents and vigilance reports contradict this. The opposition has accused the LDF government of negligence, while the ruling party insists on a broader conspiracy to undermine its religious outreach efforts.

Vijayan reiterated that the investigation will ensure accountability: “Everyone who was involved will fall into the hands of the law.” The probe is expected to conclude within six weeks, with findings likely to have significant political and religious implications across Kerala.

With inputs from PTI