Over 4.5 Kilos of Gold Stolen from Temple Deity in India; Priest Among 3 Arrested

Authorities in Kerala, India, have confirmed the authenticity of allegations that gold coverings were removed from several deity idols at the famous Sabarimala Temple. The state’s High Court revealed that gold plating from certain idols had been stripped off.

According to a report by British media outlet BBC, it is a long-standing tradition at the Sabarimala Temple to adorn idols and ornaments with gold and silver donated by devotees. This shocking theft at one of the most revered temples has left worshippers stunned.

The Kerala High Court has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case. The temple’s former assistant priest, Unnikrishnan Patti, along with two others, has been arrested.

A bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar is overseeing the investigation, holding regular hearings since September.

The controversy centers around two guardian deity idols situated at the temple’s entrance. A report by a court-appointed commissioner revealed that significant portions of the gold coating had been removed from these idols.

Temple records indicate that during 1998–99, a total of 30.291 kilograms of gold donated by industrialist Vijay Mallya was used for gilding the idols, pillars, arches, and decorative elements.

In 2019, the Travancore Devaswom Board permitted former assistant priest Unnikrishnan Patti to take the idols outside the temple premises for re-gilding.

However, when the idols were returned two months later, their weights were not rechecked. Subsequent investigation revealed that they were significantly lighter. Preliminary findings suggest that approximately 4.54 kilograms of gold are missing.

The judges described the incident as an act of “looting and robbery.”

The accused priest, currently in jail, shouted to journalists during his arrest, saying, “I’ve been framed. The truth will come out one day.”

The SIT has also arrested two other board officials, and Board President P.S. Prasanth is under investigation. He has, however, maintained that “the incident did not occur during the tenure of the current board” and assured full cooperation with the court’s probe.

The court further revealed that after the restoration, priest Patti retained 474.9 grams of gold with board approval. He had even sent an email requesting permission to use the extra gold for the wedding of a known girl.

Calling the matter “deeply disturbing,” the Kerala High Court has scheduled the next hearing for Wednesday. The court stated, “Regardless of influence or position, no one involved will be spared. Every person responsible will be identified and brought under the purview of law.”

Khaborwala/TSN