Sabarimala Gold Scandal: Unveiling a Conspiracy

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) uncovered a conspiracy involving the misappropriation of gold from the Sabarimala temple. The accused, including former Travancore Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar, allegedly engaged in criminal conspiracy and misconduct. The High Court postponed the bail hearing for the implicated individuals to January 8.

A probe by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the Sabarimala gold loss cases has uncovered a significant conspiracy involving the misappropriation of gold from the revered Lord Ayyappa temple.

According to the SIT's statement to the Kerala High Court, the accused, including former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president A Padmakumar and jeweller Roddam Pandurangaiah Naga Govardhan, orchestrated a plan to dismantle and misappropriate gold from the temple's artefacts, such as the Dwarapalaka idols and the sanctum sanctorum's door frames.

The SIT revealed serious misconduct and administrative lapses by Devaswom officials and uncovered a criminal conspiracy. The High Court has adjourned the bail pleas of the accused to January 8 and has granted the SIT additional time to complete the investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)