Ghee at Sabarimala diverted and replaced with lower-quality ghee; Milma announces probe

PATHANAMTHITTA: Milma has announced a probe into the allegation that the ghee supplied for use at Sabarimala was diverted and replaced with lower-quality ghee from Tamil Nadu. The decision came after media reports claimed that there were irregularities in the supply of ghee to the temple.

The decision to conduct an inquiry was taken during the Milma Board of Directors meeting held on June 29. A five-member committee has been appointed to investigate the allegations and has been asked to submit its report within three weeks. Reports also suggest that the Vigilance department has launched a separate investigation into the fraud.

Under an agreement between the Travancore Devaswom Board and Milma, 170,000 litres of ghee were to be supplied to Sabarimala and Pamba at a price of Rs 540 per litre, even though the market price was around Rs 720 per litre. However, according to the complaint, the ghee collected from Milma was allegedly transported in vehicles and diverted to other locations for resale. It was then replaced with lower-quality ghee, reportedly sourced from Tamil Nadu, before being delivered to Sabarimala.