Thiruvananthapuram: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has concluded that the ceremonial ‘dwaja sthambham’ (flagpole) at Sabarimala was deliberately replaced using gold and precious idols with the intention of facilitating theft and eventual destruction. With this finding, serious questions have arisen regarding the Devaswom Governing Body that was in office when the ‘dwaja sthambham was replaced in 2017. The SIT has indicated that these conclusions will be incorporated in the next investigation progress report to be submitted to the Kerala High Court.
The original ‘dwaja sthambham was replaced in February 2017 on the grounds that its base had decayed. At the time, the Travancore Devaswom Board was headed by Congress leader Prayar Gopalakrishnan, who served as board president. The decision to replace the ‘dwaja sthambham’ followed a devaprasnam (astrological ritual). The old flagpole, erected in 1971, was believed to be covered with several kilograms of gold. However, when it was dismantled, investigators found that it was made of concrete and that it had remained structurally intact. It was also revealed that the replacement was carried out despite objections raised by the then Thantri (chief priest).
At present, two Devaswom Boards from the Left Democratic Front (LDF) era are under investigation. The entire LDF governing committee, led by former board president A. Padmakumar, had earlier been arrested in connection with the 2019 gold theft case. In a fresh development in 2025, the SIT has also brought the Devaswom Board President, P.S. Prashanth, and board member A. Ajikumar under scrutiny. Prashanth was questioned recently and has been served with another notice to appear for further interrogation. As per established rules, the metal from the old ‘dwaja sthambham should have been melted down and accounted for. While the idols attached to the ‘dwaja sthambham’ were reportedly moved to a strongroom, they are no longer traceable. The register that recorded details of the gold and idols associated with the ‘dwaja sthambham’ has also been destroyed. The investigation has confirmed the theft of an 11-kg gold-plated vajivahana (horse mount) made of five metals, along with the disappearance of the idols of the Ashtadhikalakas.
Investigators further discovered that the vajivahanam linked to the theft had been handed over to a prominent industrialist in Andhra Pradesh and was later bought back after the gold theft probe intensified. The Vajivahanam seized during a raid at the residence of Thantri Kantarar Rajeev has been produced before the SIT court. According to the findings, the vehicle originally mounted on the flagpole was handed over to Kantarar Rajeev by Congress leader Prayar Gopalakrishnan and board member Ajay Tharayul. Prashanth is also facing allegations for handing over sculptural panels to Unnikrishnan Potty, who was implicated in fraud in 2019, for gold plating work in 2025. The SIT is probing the lapse in entrusting these panels to Potty for “maintenance” without informing the High Court. Prashanth has already been questioned twice in this matter, and a fresh notice has been issued. The sculptures, which were taken to Chennai without authorisation, were later brought back following a High Court directive.
Rs 36.24 lakh irregularities found in Aadiyashishtam ghee sale
The Vigilance Department has registered a case on the directions of the High Court in connection with irregularities in the sale of Aadiyashishtam ghee at the Sabarimala temple. The investigation is being carried out by a team led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Mahesh Kumar. Preliminary findings have revealed financial irregularities amounting to Rs 36.24 lakh. As many as 33 persons, including Devaswom employees and temporary staff entrusted with the sale of ghee, have been booked in the case.
The court ordered a Vigilance probe after it was found that the proceeds from the sale of 13,679 packets of ghee had not been credited to the Travancore Devaswom Board account. The initial assessment pointed to a loss of approximately Rs 13 lakh to the Board.
Following the revelations, the officer in charge of the Aadiyashishtam ghee sale, Sunil Kumar Potty, has been placed under suspension. The preliminary investigation indicated that the sale proceeds failed to reach the Board’s account due to lapses and negligence on the part of the official concerned.
As part of the ritual practice at Sabarimala, pilgrims who are unable to perform ghee abhishekam are allowed to purchase the leftover ghee. The ghee is sold in 100 ml containers priced at Rs 100 each. The Aadiyashishtam ghee is first received by the temple’s Special Officer and subsequently handed over to designated counters for sale to pilgrims.
Shankaradas remanded; Entire Devaswom board of the period now in judicial custody
Meanwhile, former Devaswom Board member K.P. Shankaradas, who was arrested, was remanded to 14 days’ judicial custody by Kollam Vigilance Court Judge Dr. C.S. Mohit. The judge ordered that Shankaradas be shifted out of the private hospital where he was undergoing treatment. In line with procedure, he was remanded to Poojappura Central Jail, with a direction to assess his health condition at the jail’s Doctors’ Hospital. Vigilance Prosecutor Siju Rajan and SIT Superintendent of Police Sasi Sasidharan were present during the proceedings. After consultations with doctors, Shankaradas was remanded until the 29th and named as the 11th accused in the case.
With the arrest of K.P. Shankaradas, this marks the first instance in the history of the Travancore Devaswom Board where all members of a government-affiliated board have been sent to jail. It is also an unusual situation where a patient in an Intensive Care Unit remains under judicial custody. Former Board President A. Padmakumar and board members Vijayakumar and Shankaradas were all part of the same governing body when the offences occurred.
Shankaradas had remained under protective custody until now, reportedly because he is the father of a senior police officer. However, following strong observations by the High Court, his arrest became unavoidable. Given his fragile health, authorities may have to maintain police custody at the ICU itself, effectively converting it into a guarded prison facility.
The investigation is also widening to include senior officials who served during the period in question. Those identified include former Devaswom Board Commissioner and President N. Vasu, and Devaswom employees Murari Babu, D. Sunishkumar, K.S. Baiju, and S. Sreekumar. Besides Unnikrishnan Potty, other accused currently in remand include Pankaj Bhandari, Govardhan, and Kantarar Rajeev. Sources indicate that the court may order a comprehensive probe into the activities of the Travancore Devaswom Board dating back to 2002, specifically focusing on decisions related to the relocation of the flagpole. If such an order is issued, it could potentially bring all surviving Devaswom administrators and commissioners from that period under investigation, significantly expanding the scope of the case.
