In a status report filed before the Kerala High Court, investigators claimed they have gathered substantial evidence against multiple accused and are awaiting key forensic reports before completing the probe into the alleged misuse of temple gold.
BY PC Bureau
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged misappropriation of gold ornaments and temple assets at the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple has named former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president P. S. Prasanth and former Sabarimala chief priest Kandararu Rajeevaru as accused in the case, marking a significant escalation in one of Kerala’s most sensitive temple-related investigations.
In a status report submitted before the Kerala High Court, the SIT alleged that both men were part of a criminal conspiracy involving the illegal removal and misappropriation of gold from the hill shrine. Investigators said they had gathered substantial evidence indicating offences including criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust and forgery, and sought additional time to complete the probe.
STORY | Wrongdoers will face consequences in Sabarimala gold loss probe: Chennithala
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Tuesday asserted that wrongdoers will have to face the consequences in the alleged Sabarimala gold loss case, while maintaining that the SIT probe into… pic.twitter.com/TTf5rq51VY
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 30, 2026
SIT Seeks More Time for Investigation
The SIT informed the High Court that the investigation has reached an advanced stage but cannot be concluded until crucial forensic reports are received from two premier scientific institutions—the National Metallurgical Laboratory and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. These reports are expected to help determine the composition, authenticity and possible replacement of the temple’s gold-plated ornaments.
The High Court has posted the matter for further hearing on July 20, by which time the SIT is expected to place additional findings before the court.
Alleged Conspiracy Dates Back to 2019
What Is the Case About?
The investigation centres on allegations that valuable gold-plated ornaments and decorative components belonging to the Sabarimala temple were removed and replaced under the pretext of renovation and restoration.
The SIT is examining whether original gold was illegally diverted and substituted with inferior materials, resulting in significant financial loss to the temple and its devotees.
Forensic examination of the recovered materials is expected to play a crucial role in establishing whether the ornaments currently installed are identical to the originals or have been altered.
Prasanth Rejects Allegations
Reacting to the SIT’s findings, P. S. Prasanth dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.
Speaking to reporters, he denied any role in the alleged conspiracy and said he had met prime accused Unnikrishnan Potty only once. He maintained that he had no involvement in the decisions under investigation and accused his political opponents of attempting to malign his reputation.
Prasanth, who was previously associated with the Congress before joining the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), was appointed president of the Travancore Devaswom Board in 2023.
Why the Case Matters
The Sabarimala temple is one of India’s most revered pilgrimage centres, attracting millions of devotees annually. Any allegations involving temple assets or sacred ornaments carry immense religious, administrative and political significance.
The case has also raised broader questions about accountability within temple administration, the handling of valuable religious assets, and oversight mechanisms governing restoration work in major temples managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board.
With forensic reports still awaited and several senior officials now facing criminal allegations, the investigation is expected to remain under close judicial scrutiny. The Kerala High Court’s hearing on July 20 is likely to determine the next phase of the probe as investigators seek to establish the full extent of the alleged conspiracy.
