Sabarimala Gold Donations Under Scrutiny in 2017 Flag Mast Project

The Vigilance department is investigating alleged gold and money misappropriation linked to Sabarimala's 2017 temple flag mast project. Film personalities are among sponsors being questioned. The inquiry follows a Kerala High Court directive, revealing inconsistencies in the gold accounted for and used, necessitating further investigation.

In a developing story from Kerala, the Vigilance department is vigorously probing claims of misappropriation involving gold donations intended for the 2017 temple flag mast project at Sabarimala. The allegations come as a significant controversy, attracting public interest particularly due to the involvement of well-known film personalities as sponsors.

Following a directive from the Kerala High Court, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has initiated a preliminary inquiry. The investigation has so far identified 27 sponsors who contributed gold. Noteworthy among them are filmmaker Shaji Kailas and actor-writer Renji Panicker, whose statements have already been recorded. The team continues to seek cooperation from others, including MP Suresh Gopi and actor Mohanlal.

Initial reports suggest discrepancies in the quantity of gold that was documented versus what was purportedly available and used for the flag mast. The absence of individual donor receipts has further complicated the matter, prompting VACB to delve deeper into these procedural lapses as directed by the High Court. A case will be registered following the completion of the preliminary inquiry.

(With inputs from agencies.)