Sacred offerings siphoned: Sabarimala staff facing arrest over Rice-Money theft

SABARIMALA: The Pampa police are moving to arrest five temporary employees following a startling theft at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam during the recent Mandalakaalam season. The suspects—R. Pradeep, Biju Kumar, S. Baiju, R. Ajimon, and Arun Krishnan—allegedly siphoned off currency notes and coins that fell alongside the traditional rice offerings made by devotees. Instead of securing these sacred contributions in the temple treasury, the men reportedly pocketed the cash while collecting the rice at the Sannidhanam.

The illicit operation came to light after Devaswom Vigilance officials noticed highly unusual activity at the Sannidhanam post office. Despite earning modest daily wages, the accused were found frequently sending large sums of money back to their homes. This discrepancy triggered a targeted probe into their financial trails, which eventually linked the suspicious money orders directly to the pilfered offerings. The subsequent Vigilance report formed the basis for a formal criminal case registered by the Pampa police.

While the current investigation focuses on these five individuals, authorities have received strong indications that a wider network of employees may be involved in the racket. The case has cast a spotlight on the security of the Bhandaram, emphasising the need for more rigorous oversight of temporary staff. As the police prepare to finalise the arrests, the Devaswom Board is under increasing pressure to ensure that the offerings of the faithful are protected from such internal exploitation.