Scam-linked trader returns with lowest bid; Sabarimala ghee tender scrapped

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Travancore Devaswom Board has decided to cancel the Sabarimala ghee tender after learning that a trader allegedly linked to last year's Milma ghee scam had participated in the bidding process. The board will invite fresh tenders for the purchase of 50,000 litres of ghee.

Three bidders participated in the tender, with a Tamil Nadu-based trader quoting the lowest amount. Reports indicated that the trader was linked to the alleged diversion and resale of ghee supplied by Milma last year. Following this information, Devaswom Board President K. Jayakumar directed officials to cancel the tender.

The board had initially invited tenders for the purchase of 1.6 lakh litres of ghee. However, with a decision to use the ghee brought by devotees, the board has assessed that such a large reserve would no longer be necessary.

The fresh tender will be issued with provisions to enable small-scale suppliers to participate in the bidding process.