ED probe uncovers looting of devotees’ gold offerings at Sabarimala temple; widespread financial irregularities detected

KOCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has found that apart from the gold plating and the Dwarapalaka sculptures at Sabarimala, gold offered by Ayyappa devotees as offerings was also looted. This is in addition to large-scale financial irregularities. The ED has started a detailed investigation into these matters as well.

The findings came during the ED’s preliminary probe into irregularities and financial transactions related to Sabarimala. Based on the evidence gathered, ED sources said a detailed investigation will be conducted into transactions linked to Sabarimala from 2019 to 2025.

Wealthy Ayyappa devotees, including businessmen from other states, often offer gold coins and jewellery as offerings. Information received by the ED suggests that these offerings were misappropriated and smuggled without being accounted for or recorded as Devaswom revenue.

Irregularities were also found in poojas conducted at Sabarimala, income received, and contracts awarded. The ED will investigate these issues in detail under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Examination of documents and collection of evidence in connection with the case have already begun.