The Kollam Vigilance Court has granted the Special Investigation Team (SIT) a one-day custody of two accused in the alleged gold misappropriation case linked to the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. This decision, made on July 28, 2026, aims to facilitate thorough custodial interrogation of the suspects. The individuals involved are PS Prashanth, former President of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), and A Ajikumar, a former member of the board.

After the court’s ruling, the SIT is expected to interrogate both individuals closely. They will be required to appear before the vigilance court later on the same day to provide updates following their questioning. This step is part of the SIT’s ongoing investigation into the handling of gold donations allegedly misappropriated from the temple.

Background of the Allegations

The case centres on a reported misappropriation of approximately 4.54 kilograms of gold intended for the Sabarimala temple. This gold was associated with key temple structures, such as the Sreekovil, which is the sanctum sanctorum, and the Dwarapalaka idols. Allegations suggest that the irregularities occurred during renovation work aimed at refinishing and re-gold-plating these structures in 2019.

The controversy has its roots in a notable donation made in 1998 by industrialist Vijay Mallya, who contributed 30.3 kilograms of gold and around 1,900 kilograms of copper specifically for gold-plating and related work at the temple. Subsequent inspections and inquiries monitored by the court uncovered apparent discrepancies in the amounts of gold that was supposedly used compared to what had initially been donated.

The case has escalated into a significant political issue, especially with the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections in 2026. The Congress party is reportedly targeting the then ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government regarding these alleged financial irregularities. Among those named in the case is A. Padmakumar, a former President of the Travancore Devaswom Board who was also a member of the CPI(M). Padmakumar was expelled from the party once the controversy surfaced.

Ongoing Investigations and Government Stance

Unnikrishnan Potti, previously involved as both a helper and sponsor of the gold-plating work at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, has been identified as the principal accused in this case. The investigation carried out by the SIT is currently underway as authorities seek to clarify the extent of the alleged misappropriations and the individuals implicated.

In light of the unfolding situation, Kerala’s Health and Devaswoms Minister K Muraleedharan has reiterated the state government’s demands for increased autonomy in overseeing such investigations and administrative appointments within the Devaswom. In a statement to ANI, Muraleedharan expressed the need for the freedom to appoint a Devaswom Commissioner and manage the inquiry into the gold misappropriation effectively, citing interference from the Kerala High Court as a concern.

The ongoing investigations into the Sabarimala gold misappropriation case remain a critical focus for both law enforcement and government officials as they navigate the intricate details and public sentiments surrounding the matter.

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