Thiruvananthapuram: The Sabarimala gold plating row is deepening, with investigators struggling to trace crucial documents related to more than 30 kg of gold donated by industrialist Vijay Mallya in 1998. The Devaswom Vigilance has reported that key records have gone missing from the Sabarimala Executive Office, reinforcing suspicions that the alleged conversion of the gold into copper was a planned theft.

The investigation team clarified that there is no dispute over Mallya’s donation. However, registers and supporting documents detailing the quantity of gold donated are absent. The Executive Officer reportedly handed over documents pertaining to the controversies that erupted in 2019. Without these records, authorities cannot confirm the exact amount of gold present in the Sannidhanam or how much was lost, strengthening concerns that the files were deliberately altered.

In 1998, the Devaswom Work Department (Maramath) supervised the gold plating work, with the then Chief Engineer and Divisional Engineer assigned to oversee the process. Vigilance has sought information from these officials, hoping the records may exist in the Department. Some officials, however, suggest it is more likely that the documents should be with the Thiruvabharanam (sacred golden ornaments of Lord Ayyappan) Commissioner’s office.

Typically, major temples like Sabarimala maintain detailed registers recording the number and measurements of all ornaments and Thiruvabharanam. A former top official revealed that until 2021, Sabarimala kept no detailed accounts, recording only the number of packages. Investigators say these systemic lapses may have facilitated the theft.