The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) in Kerala has taken a significant step, urging the Kerala High Court to order a complete audit of all gold, silver, and other precious valuables within temples overseen by the state’s five devaswom boards.
This move comes amidst growing concerns and specific allegations, including a notable reduction in the weight of gold-clad copper coverings at the revered Sabarimala temple, along with similar reports from various other religious sites. The VHP claims these valuable assets are being handled with gross negligence, failing to uphold their purity and security. They are also pressing for a detailed examination of the records maintained by these boards.
Furthermore, the organization has raised serious doubts about the impartiality of the recently formed Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with probing the alleged ‘gold theft’ at Sabarimala. The VHP argues that two inspectors on the SIT previously worked with Devaswom Vigilance during the very period the alleged incidents occurred, suggesting they could be swayed by the current administration and thus compromise the integrity of the investigation.
Given these concerns, the VHP believes that only an independent Central agency can conduct a truly fair and transparent investigation. Responding to the VHP’s petition, the High Court has now sought a response from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding its potential involvement.