SIT to probe replacement of Sabarimala flagstaff

The special investigation team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold theft has expanded the scope of its investigation to include the replacement of the temple’s flagstaff.

Acting on the directives of the Kerala High Court, the SIT and the Devaswom Vigilance wing have initiated a detailed probe into the matter.

The flagstaff at the Sabarimala temple was replaced in 2017, during the tenure of Prayar Gopalakrishnan as Travancore Devaswom Board president. The decision had then been taken as the old flagstaff had deteriorated significantly due to wear and tear.

The SIT received information regarding the replacement of the flagstaff after recording statements from several people linked to senior Tantri (chief priest) Kandararu Rajeevaru, who has been arrested and charged with criminal complicity and conspiracy in the “dishonest misappropriation” of the temple’s gold-plated religious artefacts in 2019.

Following the flagpost replacement, the ‘vaji vahanam’ (horse effigy) that was part of the flagstaff was handed over to the chief priest. However, the Devaswom Vigilance investigation could not ascertain the whereabouts of the accompanying Ashtadikpalaka idols.

The SIT had raided the chief priest’s residence in Chengannur and recovered the ‘vaji vahanam’, which has since been taken into custody as part of the investigation. The SIT subsequently submitted the seizure mahazar of the seized article at the Kollam Vigilance Court.

Meanwhile, former Devaswom Board member Ajay Tharayil told mediapersons that the ‘vaji vahanam’ belonged to the chief priest and was handed over in accordance with established customs and traditions.

He added that documents available with the Devaswom Board indicated that the effigy was the rightful property of the chief priest.

He also said that all other components of the old flagstaff, including the gold-plated decorative umbrellas and the Ashtadikpalakas, were shifted to the strong room. A mahazar was prepared in this regard and a report was subsequently submitted to the High Court.

However, he said he was not aware whether all these items were currently present in the strong room. Mr. Tharayil asserted he was ready to face any investigation in this regard.