Kochi: The Kerala High Court has explicitly stated that irregularities and tampering have occurred in the case concerning the removal and replacement of the gold plating on the ‘Dwarapalaka’ sculptures at Sabarimala. The court has ordered the registration of a case and a neutral investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Furthermore, the State Police Chief (DGP) has been impleaded as a party to oversee the investigation’s effectiveness.
The crucial directives from the High Court came after considering a report submitted by the Devaswom Vigilance.
Key Observations and Directives of the High Court:
- Confirmation of Tampering: The Court observed that tampering is evident in the Sabarimala gold scam. The Vigilance report suggests that the events of 2019 were the result of a conspiracy that began in 2016, indicating a large-scale plot.
- Order to Register Case: The Court directed the SIT to immediately register a case and conduct a comprehensive investigation into all aspects of the matter.
- Special Investigation Team (SIT): An SIT, headed by the Crime Branch ADGP H. Venkatesh, has been announced. Former Vigilance SP S. Sasidharan is in charge of the investigation, which will include Crime Branch officers and cyber experts.
- DGP Impleaded: Given the complexity of the case, the State Police Chief was added as a party to ensure an efficient probe. The Court noted that the DGP could decide whether separate cases are warranted.
- Strict Confidentiality: The Court issued a stern warning that the investigation must be kept strictly confidential. No information related to the probe should be shared with the media.
- Sealed Report Submission: The SIT is required to submit progress reports in a sealed cover directly to the Court every two weeks and complete the investigation within six weeks.
- Criticism of Officials: The Court observed suspicious circumstances in the Executive Officer’s record classifying the gold-plated ‘Dwarapalaka’ layer as merely a copper foil. Officials including the Devaswom Commissioner, Executive Officer, and Thiruvabharanam Commissioner have been directed to provide explanations for the lapses.
Suspicion Over Gold Plating of ‘Yogadandam’
During the inquiry into the gold scam, the High Court also noted suspicion regarding the gold plating of the ‘Yogadandam’ (meditation staff) used in the temple. - Contract to Padmakumar’s Son: It was revealed that the contract for gold plating the ‘Yogadandam’ was awarded to Jayakumar Padman, the son of former Devaswom Board President A. Padmakumar.
- Former President’s Explanation: Jayakumar Padman carried out the work in 2019. Padmakumar explained that his son was entrusted with the work at the request of the ‘Thantri’ (Head Priest), stating that he simply offered his son’s services after the Thantri made the request. The Court has expressed reservations about the procedural aspects of this arrangement.
The Vigilance report suggests the involvement of high-ranking Devaswom Board officials in the removal and replacement of the gold plates. The alleged fraud primarily revolves around the ‘Dwarapalaka’ sculptures, which were taken to Chennai for maintenance in 2019.
