The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into alleged financial misconduct linked to the sale of Adiya Sishtam Ghee at the Sabarimala temple. The move follows stern observations and specific directions issued by the Kerala High Court earlier this week. The SIT will be led by Superintendent of Police Mahesh Kumar.
The decision comes at a sensitive time for the hill shrine, which has already been facing heightened scrutiny due to a recent gold theft case. The latest development has intensified concerns over financial controls and internal monitoring at Sabarimala, one of India’s most revered pilgrimage centres.
The vigilance action stems from a suo motu case taken up by the High Court based on a report submitted by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner. While hearing the matter, a Division Bench comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and K.V. Jayakumar ordered a detailed vigilance probe, expressing serious concern over possible criminal misappropriation of funds generated through ghee sales at the temple counters.
In its remarks, the court came down heavily on certain officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), stating that the material before it suggested deliberate diversion of temple revenue. The Bench observed that some employees appeared more focused on personal enrichment than on their responsibility to safeguard the interests of the institution and its devotees. It also pointed out that such lapses were not isolated, noting that the court had flagged similar issues in the past.
Stressing the need for urgent reform, the High Court underlined that transparency, accountability and the use of technology in financial management were no longer optional but mandatory, according to media reports. The judges warned that continued negligence could lead to the conclusion that senior officials were either indifferent or complicit in allowing irregularities to continue.
Acting on the court’s directive, the Vigilance department carried out a preliminary verification, which uncovered suspected irregularities totalling Rs. 36.24 lakh. Of this amount, approximately Rs. 13 lakh was linked to the sale of 13,679 packets of Adiya Sishtam Ghee, where proceeds were allegedly not deposited into the Devaswom Board’s account. The Board had earlier informed the court that Sunil Kumar Potti, the official in charge of supervising the ghee sales, was placed under suspension after an internal inquiry revealed lapses.
The SIT will now conduct a detailed examination of financial records, stock registers, sales data and the role of officials involved, with the investigation continuing under the supervision of the High Court, media reports further said.
Sabarimala, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is one of the largest annual pilgrimage destinations in the world. Located in the forests of Kerala’s Western Ghats, the temple is known for its unique traditions, including the 41-day vratham observed by devotees before undertaking the pilgrimage.
Each year, an estimated 3 to 4 crore pilgrims visit the shrine during the Mandala–Makaravilakku season and other festive periods, making it a site of immense religious and administrative significance.
Given the scale of footfall, the temple also receives substantial offerings. Annual receipts from donations, kanikka (cash offerings), sale of prasadam, and valuables such as gold and silver are estimated to run into several hundred crore rupees. These funds are meant to support temple operations, pilgrim facilities and welfare activities, which is why allegations of financial irregularities at Sabarimala are viewed as a serious breach of public trust and faith.
Also Read: Even Tirupati Temple Not Spared, Uttarakhand Dairy Supplied 68 Lakh Kg Of Spurious Ghee To Temple Without Producing Drop https://www.vibesofindia.com/even-tirupati-temple-not-spared-uttarakhand-dairy-supplied-68-lakh-kg-of-spurious-ghee-to-temple-without-producing-drop/
