Devaswom Board President demands "thorough and powerful investigation" in alleged Sabarimala gold theft case

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], October 7 (ANI): Devaswom Board President PS Prasanth has demanded a thorough and powerful investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft case, stating that the Kerala High Court has appointed an inquiry committee comprising representatives from both the state government and the temple board.
"The court appointed the inquiry committee based on the request made by both the Devaswom Board and the government. In 2019, the Board and the government had urged the court to investigate the issues related to the gold plating controversy. We want a thorough and powerful investigation. We wholeheartedly welcome the investigation team. Let every aspect be examined under the committee's supervision, and let the truth come out," Prasanth said.
He also demanded strict action against the culprits of the incident stating that even if any official is involved in the matter they should brought to justice without considering their seniority.
"Whoever the senior official may be, if even a single thread of gold or property belonging to the Lord has been misappropriated,they must be punished and brought before the law. That is the wish of the Devaswom Board. We will extend full cooperation in every possible way," he added.
PS Prasanth's remarks followed the continued disruption and noisy scenes witnessed in the Kerala assembly as the opposition created a ruckus during the Question Hour over the Sabarimala gold plating controversy.
Opposition Leader VD Satheesan said the High Court's recent observation in the case was "shocking," noting that the court had found the Dwarapalaka idol was sold at an inflated price and that lakhs of devotees were deceived.
"The Devaswom Board has cheated lakhs of devotees. The Devaswom Minister should resign, and the Board should be dismissed. The government must announce its stand on the issue today," Satheesan demanded.
As the Speaker AN Shamseer moved on to the Question Hour, opposition MLAs staged a protest in front of his dais, raising banners that obstructed the Speaker's view.
Law Minister P Rajeev responded that both the Devaswom Board and the Minister had welcomed any investigation. "The opposition's drama rejecting the High Court's decision is narrow-minded," he said.
Earlier on Monday, the Kerala High Court ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged theft of gold from Sabarimala temple, while also directing that the investigation be confidential and no information be leaked. (ANI)