‘Gold sheets were not taken by Unnikrishnan Potty, summoned only because warranty was in his name’

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Travancore Devaswom Board President P S Prashanth responded to the controversies related to the Sabarimala gold plate controversy. The gold was taken to Chennai by following all norms. Prashanth said Unnikrishnan Potty was summoned there only because the 40-year warranty was in his name. He said that he will demand a comprehensive investigation in the court.

His words
The reason for such allegations is the support the board received in connection with the Global Ayyappa Sangamam. The opposition and the BJP are seeing the controversies related to the gold plate as a golden opportunity. Had a meeting with Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan yesterday. Vijay Mallya gold plated the sheets in 1998. From that time until becoming the devaswom president, whether it was the matter of gold, its weight or such incarnations, will seek the court for a comprehensive investigation. Will approach the court soon.

The gold sheets were taken to Chennai by following the exact norms. The Devaswom Board has not committed any lapse in it. The gold-plated sheets were taken to Chennai in a vehicle after capturing a video in the presence of the Sabarimala executive officer and vigilance under the leadership of Thiruvabharanam Commissioner. A mahasar was also prepared in the beginning and end. The Thiruvabharanam Commissioner was also in the vehicle.

We told the sponsor Unnikrishnan Potty to come to Chennai. We did not hand it over to him and there are proper documents for it. The Thiruvabharanam Commissioner has recorded 38 kilograms of gold in 14 layers with two dwarapalakars. A presence of 397 grams of gold was in it. Only 12 of these were taken. The gold content in it was 281 grams and weighing 22 kilograms. Only 10 grams of gold was required in Chennai for its renovation. Later, as per the court order, we brought it back. Now it has 291 grams and is kept in the locker now.

The one in Chennai is an authentic firm. It has a 40-year warranty and is in the name of Unnikrishnan Potty. That is why his services were sought as a sponsor. Now he has given only ten grams. We have nothing to hide. It is an issue under the consideration of the court. Therefore, we can only say it in the court.

Everything the opposition leader says is utter nonsense. When talking about something, he should study about it and speak. They have also ruled the state. Don't let anyone talk about some people who ran away fearing the Devaswom Vigilance. That situation has not happened to us. We don’t hesitate to demand any probe.