Temple Turmoil: Protest Erupts Over Gold-Plating Scandal

A protest led by Yuva Morcha activists against alleged gold-plating irregularities at the Sabarimala temple escalated into a scuffle with the police. The agitation follows a Kerala High Court order for an investigation into suspected gold misappropriation from the temple's guardian deity idols.

A heated confrontation ensued Monday as Yuva Morcha activists clashed with the police during a protest march to the Secretariat regarding alleged gold-plating irregularities at Sabarimala temple.

Protesters forcefully pushed against police barricades and hurled objects at the officers wielding water cannons, determined to voice their dissent against the mishandling of temple resources.

This unrest comes in light of a Kerala High Court mandate ordering a criminal investigation following concerns of reduced gold weight on temple idols, spotlighting potential corruption under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's governance.

(With inputs from agencies.)