Audit Controversy Surrounds Global Ayyappa Sangam Event

TDB president K Jayakumar addresses inconsistencies in the Global Ayyappa Sangam audit report, citing lack of response to auditors. The MoU capped event spending at Rs 8.22 crore, but only Rs 4.99 crore was to be paid. A three-member task force will rectify the report before court submission.

At the center of financial scrutiny, the Travancore Devaswom Board's president, K Jayakumar, acknowledged inconsistencies in the Global Ayyappa Sangam audit report, due to a lack of prompt responses from the board to the auditor's queries. These issues, flagged by the Kerala High Court, are to be urgently addressed.

The board had agreed to compensate the Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction (IIIC) Rs 4.99 crore, though they initially claimed expenses of Rs 7.04 crore. A prior MoU allowed costs up to Rs 8.22 crore, but later adjustments capped it at Rs 4.99 crore, a decision Jayakumar confirmed would remain unchanged despite IIIC's potential disappointment.

To resolve the audit discrepancies, a three-member task force has been established to review and rectify the report by validating transactions and assets lists, ensuring a comprehensive audit statement for the court hearing on February 27. Meanwhile, sponsorship funds, including an anticipated Rs 1 crore from Adani Group, play a key role in settling costs.

(With inputs from agencies.)