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2h ago

Kerala High Court Forms SIT to Probe Sabarimala Gold‑Plate Discrepancies

The court‑mandated inquiry follows audit findings of multi‑kilogram weight shortfalls in panels sent for repairs.

United Democratic Front (UDF) MLAs protest outside the Kerala Legislative Assembly over the Sabarimala gold controversy and the resignation of Devaswom minister VN Vasavan, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on Monday. (PTI PHOTO)
Sabarimala gold plating row: Opposition disrupts Assembly again, demands minister's resignation
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Overview

  • A division bench took suo motu cognizance after finding that gold‑clad sheets were handed to a priest‑turned‑businessman for repairs in Chennai without required approvals.
  • ADGP H. Venkatesh will oversee a Special Investigation Team with IPS officer S. Sasidharan leading the inquiry, operating under a media blackout and a one‑month reporting deadline.
  • A preliminary submission from the Devaswom vigilance wing alleges prima facie misappropriation and references a roughly 4.5 kg weight loss in sheets returned after 2019 repairs.
  • Opposition UDF legislators disrupted the Kerala Assembly for a second day, renewing demands for Devaswom Minister V. N. Vasavan to resign over the controversy.
  • Speaker A. N. Shamseer suspended proceedings after protests during Question Hour as ministers pointed to the High Court‑ordered SIT and expressed willingness for a discussion.