Sabarimala ghee row: Devaswom Vigilance to investigate alleged irregularities

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan has ordered a Devaswom Vigilance investigation into the controversy surrounding the procurement of ghee for Sabarimala.

The decision follows a preliminary inquiry conducted by the Devaswom Secretary, which reportedly uncovered serious findings. Based on the report, the minister directed the Devaswom Vigilance to conduct a comprehensive investigation, including whether a criminal conspiracy was involved in the matter.

Muraleedharan said the probe has been entrusted to the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer of the Travancore Devaswom Board, who has been directed to complete the investigation and submit a report.

Meanwhile, Milma Chairman K.S. Mani denied allegations of irregularities in the supply of ghee to Sabarimala. He said Milma had neither committed any irregularity nor supplied substandard ghee, and dismissed as baseless reports claiming that the Travancore Devaswom Board had decided to discontinue procuring Milma ghee.

Mani said the Devaswom Board had not informed Milma of any quality issues with the ghee supplied to Sabarimala and that the Board had already paid the full amount for the consignment. Welcoming the investigations by the Devaswom Vigilance and the Crime Branch, he said Milma would fully cooperate and that legal action would be taken if any lapse was found on anyone's part.