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Sabarimala Gold Theft Case: Accusations Fly Amidst Political Firestorm

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, January 2nd 2026 at 0:53 GMT by The New Indian Express

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Sabarimala Gold Theft Case: Accusations Fly as Key Figures Defend Themselves Amidst Political Firestorm

The ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged theft of gold belonging to Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala temple has intensified, with prominent figures involved in the case – including former Devaswom Board member Adoor Prakash and Congress leader KC Venugopal – vehemently denying accusations and launching criticisms against the Kerala state government. The situation has become a significant political flashpoint ahead of upcoming elections, highlighting deep divisions within the ruling coalition and opposition parties.

The core of the controversy revolves around a 2011 audit report by the Vigilance Department which flagged discrepancies in gold offerings made to the temple over several years. Specifically, it pointed to a shortfall of approximately 5 kg of gold that was unaccounted for during the period between 2006 and 2011. This report resurfaced recently, triggering renewed investigations and accusations targeting individuals connected to the Devaswom Board and associated committees during that time.

Adoor Prakash's Denial and Counter-Attack:

Former member of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), Adoor Prakash, a prominent figure in the Kerala Congress (M) party, has strongly refuted any involvement or knowledge related to the missing gold. He characterized the allegations as politically motivated attempts to tarnish his reputation and divert attention from the state government’s failures. Speaking to reporters, Prakash asserted that he had consistently raised concerns about irregularities within the temple administration during his tenure on the board but was often ignored or met with resistance. He emphasized that any discrepancies would have required multiple layers of approval and involvement, making it highly improbable for a single individual to be solely responsible.

Prakash further accused the state government of selectively leaking information from the Vigilance report to create a narrative that suits their political agenda. He pointed out that the government had access to the report years ago but chose to remain silent until now, suggesting an ulterior motive. He has threatened legal action against those making defamatory statements and demanded a transparent and impartial investigation into the entire matter. The article references previous instances where Prakash has been critical of the Devaswom Board's management practices, indicating a history of internal conflict within the organization.

KC Venugopal’s Criticism of Government Handling:

Congress leader KC Venugopal, who previously served as a minister in Kerala and is currently a key figure in the national Congress party, has joined the fray by criticizing the state government's handling of the investigation. Venugopal accused the government of deliberately delaying action on the report for years and only bringing it to light now to deflect attention from other pressing issues facing the state. He questioned why no action was taken when the discrepancies were first identified in 2011, suggesting a deliberate cover-up.

Venugopal’s criticism underscores the political dimensions of the case. The Congress party has been actively trying to capitalize on public discontent with the ruling LDF (Left Democratic Front) coalition, and this controversy provides them with ammunition to attack the government's integrity and governance. He demanded a comprehensive inquiry involving independent agencies to ensure impartiality and transparency in uncovering the truth. He also criticized the timing of the renewed focus on the case, suggesting it was strategically released to influence public opinion ahead of upcoming local body elections (as mentioned in the linked article).

The Context: Sabarimala's Significance & Previous Controversies:

Understanding the controversy requires recognizing the immense religious and cultural significance of Sabarimala. The temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in South India, attracting millions of devotees annually. Any allegations of financial impropriety or theft within the temple’s administration are therefore particularly sensitive and have the potential to spark widespread outrage.

The case also builds upon a history of controversies surrounding Sabarimala. The 2018 Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all ages to enter the temple (a decision that remains highly contested) has already created significant social and political divisions. This gold theft accusation further exacerbates tensions, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing debates about the management and sanctity of the shrine. The linked article highlights how previous attempts at reform within the Devaswom Board have been met with resistance from various factions, indicating a deeply entrenched system that makes accountability difficult to achieve.

The Current Status & Future Outlook:

Currently, the Kerala government has initiated a fresh investigation into the matter, but its handling of the case remains under scrutiny. The Vigilance Department is reportedly reviewing documents and interviewing individuals connected to the temple administration during the period in question. The political pressure on the government to conduct a swift and transparent inquiry is immense.

The accusations have created a highly charged atmosphere within Kerala politics. While Prakash and Venugopal are publicly denying any involvement or wrongdoing, the allegations themselves pose significant challenges for both the ruling LDF coalition and the opposition Congress party. Ultimately, the outcome of the investigation will be crucial in determining the political fallout from this controversy and its impact on the upcoming elections. The case underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability within religious institutions, particularly those that manage substantial assets and attract large numbers of devotees.

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