New Protocols Issued Amid Sabarimala Gold Scandal

K Jayakumar, president of the Travancore Devaswom Board, has mandated prior approval for matters presented in board meetings. This decision follows the arrest of two former TDB presidents linked to a gold loss scandal at Sabarimala temple. The new order aims to streamline presentations and ensure accountability.

K Jayakumar, president of the Travancore Devaswom Board, has issued a strict mandate requiring prior approval for any matter presented during board meetings. This order follows a recent controversy involving the theft of gold from the Sabarimala temple, which led to the arrest of two former board presidents by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

The directive from Jayakumar, issued on a Friday, outlines new procedures where only pre-approved subjects can be brought before the board. To ensure transparency and accountability, these approved matters must be compiled and presented to him and board members in organized folders during meetings.

The SIT investigation uncovered that in 2019, previous TDB members introduced an agenda item related to the replating of temple adornments without following proper documentation protocols. Allegations have surfaced that A Padmakumar, a former TDB president, manipulated records to misrepresent those items. This move signals an effort to prevent future mismanagement and ensure procedural integrity.

(With inputs from agencies.)