Pathanamthitta: It has emerged that a large-scale fraud was committed in the name of constructing the Sabarimala Dwaja sthambham (Flagpole), with the deception centred on a massive fundraising campaign led by the Devaswom Governing Body. The investigation team has found that crores of rupees were illegally collected, including contributions from prominent film personalities, even though the Dwaja sthambham had already been fully sponsored.
According to the findings, funds were raised while Congress leaders Prayar Gopalakrishnan and Ajay Tharayul were heading the Governing Body, by deliberately concealing the fact that the project had secured sponsorship. The media have accessed documentary evidence confirming the investment made by the Phonex Foundation. Activities related to the construction of the Dwaja sthambham took place during 2016–17. The probe revealed that extensive illegal fundraising was carried out under the leadership of Prayar Gopalakrishnan, who was then the President of the Travancore Devaswom Board, and Ajay Tharayal, a member of the Board. The Phonex Foundation had sponsored an amount of Rs 3.22 crore for the construction of the Dwaja sthambham and deposited the funds in an account at Dhanalakshmi Bank in the name of the Sabarimala Executive Officer. This amount was transferred to the Sabarimala Devaswom Board’s account at the same bank in four instalments beginning on December 23, 2016.
Despite the receipt of this substantial sum, the Governing Body later claimed that there were insufficient funds for the construction of the Dwaja sthambham. Following this, Travancore Devaswom Board President Prayar Gopalakrishnan and Ajay Tharayal allegedly approached several individuals, urging them to sponsor the project. It was during this subsequent collection drive that crores of rupees were raised from prominent film stars and other donors. Investigators have found that more than Rs 2.5 crore was illegally collected in this manner and later seized. The same Governing Body is also accused of handing over the highly valuable Vajivahanam (Horse idol) to the Sabarimala Thantri (Chief priest) violation of the provisions of the Devaswom Manual. This action has been cited as yet another example of serious procedural lapses and misuse of authority during their tenure.
Meanwhile, developments have also taken place in a separate case related to the theft of gold from the Dwarapala sculptures at Sabarimala. The arrest of Thantri Kandarar Rajeevar was formally recorded by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) after officials reached the jail where he was lodged. Earlier, the Thantri had been arrested and remanded in connection with the Kattilappali (Door frame) case. The Vigilance Court has granted permission to the SIT to arraign Rajeevar and others as accused in the case involving the smuggling of gold plating from the Dwarapala sculptures. The court also allowed the SIT to arrest the Thantri from jail in this matter. It has been revealed that the Thantri had signed a mahazar stating that the gold plating had been converted into copper, a claim now found to be false. The SIT has concluded that the Thantri was part of the larger conspiracy.
The court is scheduled to consider Thantri’s bail application in the Kattilappali case on January 19. In its remand report, the SIT has specifically cited the duties assigned to the Thantri under the Travancore Devaswom Manual. The agency maintains that the Thantri, who bears responsibilities similar to those of an Assistant Commissioner, is equally accountable for safeguarding temple properties. According to the SIT, the Thantri failed in this duty and tacitly permitted Unnikrishnan Potty to remove the Kattilappali, leading to further violations.
