Thiruvananthapuram: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has recorded the statements of actors Mohanlal and Dileep in connection with the alleged misappropriation of gold and funds related to the installation of a new temple flag mast at the Sabarimala shrine in 2017.

According to VACB officials, both actors were among 27 individuals who donated gold and money for the Sabarimala flag mast project. Mohanlal’s statement was recorded in Thiruvananthapuram, while Dileep’s statement was taken in Kochi.

So far, the VACB has examined 22 donors as part of the ongoing vigilance probe. Officials are also verifying whether additional individuals contributed gold or funds towards the project.

Earlier, statements were recorded from Union Minister Suresh Gopi, filmmaker Shaji Kailas, actor-writer Renji Panicker and producer Suresh Kumar.

Kerala High Court grants 30 days for inquiry

On February 9, the Kerala High Court granted the VACB 30 days to complete its inquiry and submit a report in the Sabarimala gold donation case.

A report submitted before the High Court by the Chief Vigilance Officer of the Travancore Devaswom Board stated that in August 2016, it was decided that the installation of the new temple flag mast would be undertaken entirely at the expense of Phoenix Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, Hyderabad.

The Devaswom Board approved an estimate of Rs 3.20 crore submitted by the Chief Engineer on September 23, 2016.

Gold purchase and accounting discrepancies

As per the report, 9.161 kg of gold was purchased from the Customs Department on March 22, 2017, while devotees contributed an additional 412 grams of gold for the Sabarimala flag post project.

The Kerala High Court noted that the total quantity of gold available, including the Customs purchase and donations, amounted to 9,573.010 grams. However, the quantity recorded as utilised for the temple flag mast was 9,340.200 grams, indicating a discrepancy.

The court also observed that the absence of individual donor receipts deprived contributors of documentary proof of accounting. It termed the lapse a serious procedural violation and a breach of Travancore Devaswom Board rules and financial accountability norms.

The VACB investigation into the alleged Sabarimala gold misappropriation case is ongoing.

PTI