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Sabarimala Gold Probe Widens as Ex-TDB Chief N. Vasu Arrested, Corruption Law Invoked

Under High Court oversight, investigators are moving up the Devaswom Board hierarchy with scientific sampling to verify the reported loss of temple gold.

Overview

  • The SIT arrested former TDB president and ex-commissioner N. Vasu after questioning, and a Pathanamthitta court remanded him to 14 days’ judicial custody.
  • Investigators allege Vasu directed officials in 2019 to record gilded door frames and Dwarapalaka casings as copper, a step they say enabled misappropriation.
  • With Vasu’s detention, arrests rose to five, including prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti and TDB officials Murari Babu, K. Sudheesh Kumar and K. S. Byju.
  • The SIT has invoked the Prevention of Corruption Act in supplemental filings, with the case shifting to the Vigilance Court in Kollam for offences under the Act.
  • Former TDB president A. Padmakumar has been summoned for questioning as the court-monitored team conducts authorised scientific tests to quantify a reported shortfall of about 4.5 kg from a 30.3 kg gold donation.