High-level conspiracy suspected in Sabarimala ghee irregularities; Crime Branch to investigate

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Crime Branch will investigate the large-scale irregularities involving the supply of counterfeit ghee to Sabarimala after Milma’s ghee was procured for the shrine and the fake product was brought to the Sannidhanam from Tamil Nadu.

The recommendation for the investigation was made after considering a report submitted by Revenue and Devaswom Secretary M.G. Rajamanickam to Devaswom Minister K. Muralidharan, which pointed to a planned high-level conspiracy and violation of rules.

The irregularities occurred in the procurement of 1.67 lakh litres of ghee for Sabarimala during the previous Mandala-Makaravilakku season. The investigation will look into where the ghee was replaced with counterfeit ghee, where the remaining ghee was taken, and who was responsible.

The report stated that irregularities had taken place in the process of awarding the contract. The amount quoted was altered and a lower amount was recorded. The ghee was brought to the Sannidhanam in Milma covers. The ghee was also tested at the food safety laboratory at Pamba. However, the packets could have been changed after the testing at Pamba and while the ghee was being transported. The report therefore recommended a detailed investigation by government agencies.

At a meeting held on Friday, the Travancore Devaswom Board decided that ghee should no longer be procured from outside for Sabarimala. Board president K. Jayakumar said the ghee brought by devotees would be used at Sabarimala.

Devaswom Vigilance to investigate

The Devaswom Vigilance, under the leadership of its SP, will investigate whether Devaswom Board officials were involved in the irregularities. The investigation must be completed within a month.

The preliminary report of the Devaswom Vigilance states that Devaswom Board officials had helped finalise the contract and dispatch the ghee from Pamba. The financial transactions of the officials may also be examined.