Unniyappams, Aravana worth Rs 8.80 lakh missing; More details from Sabarimala Special Commissioner's report

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It was found that Unniyappams and Aravana (offerings) worth Rs 8.80 lakh went missing at Sabarimala during the last pilgrimage season. However, the official register recorded them as unfit for use. This information is contained in a report submitted to the High Court Devaswom Bench by Sabarimala Special Commissioner R Jayakrishnan. It is suspected that staff members may have engaged in irregularities.

The discrepancy in the accounts was noticed by the Local Fund Audit team while verifying the *Aravana* stock against the quantity of *prasadam* distributed. The records show a lower amount of revenue than what should have been collected from the distribution of these offerings. An inspection by the Devaswom Vigilance wing revealed that the Unniyappams and *Aravana* were marked in the register as unfit for use.

These traditional sweets are prepared in September as a reserve stock for the pilgrimage season, which begins in November. These are then distributed at the start of the season. The Vigilance department doubts the consistency of the statements since these sweets are capable of remaining unspoiled for months. The official register suddenly recording them unfit for use during the pilgrimage period has elicited doubts.

Staff members responsible for distribution stated that these sweets, including aravana (offerings), were given to VIPs who arrived for darshan. However, the staff could not explain as to why these items were recorded as "unusable" in the register. The Vigilance wing does not accept the claim that *prasadam* worth Rs 8.80 lakh was distributed to VIPs.

The Devaswom Vigilance Department informed the Sabarimala Special Commissioner about this, and the Special Commissioner has, in turn, apprised the High Court. Precautionary measures must be taken to prevent a recurrence; henceforth, any *prasadam* provided to VIPs must be recorded in the register. The Commissioner’s report noted that this step will help prevent such irregularities.