Sabarimala fraud network extends from officials to daily wage workers

SABARIMALA: Fraud at Sabarimala Temple is reportedly widespread, involving people from powerful groups to daily wage workers, dolly workers and parking staff. Many of them are said to have links with Devaswom officials and the police.

Some temporary workers have been doing the same duty for nearly 30 years. Some of them reportedly have connections with senior officials. In the past, a few long-serving temporary workers were removed following court orders. Most of these workers get their jobs through recommendations from Devaswom Board members or officials. They are present not only during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season but also during monthly pooja days.

Hundreds of temporary workers are employed in various sections, including administration, maintenance, treasury, guest house, appam and aravana plants, and the annadanam hall. Often, only fraud related to the treasury section comes to light. Temporary jobs are given to those who produce police clearance certificates. They are issued Devaswom vigilance identity cards, which are allegedly misused for irregular activities.

Complete freedom to loot
Temporary workers receive a daily wage of Rs 650 and work eight hours in two shifts. Some take up other jobs in hotels during their free time. Others allegedly use the time to exploit pilgrims. They approach devotees offering help with darshan, prasadam and accommodation, and demand large sums depending on the number of people and their needs. Since they carry official identity cards, police and Devaswom guards usually do not question them. They reportedly take pilgrims through staff gates or other routes to help them avoid queues and reach the sanctum, charging money for the service.

Gold plating samples collected
Meanwhile, in connection with the Sabarimala gold scam, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) completed the collection of samples from the gold-plated panels at the Sannidhanam last night. A 12-member team carried out the work over two days. The entire gold covering at the Sannidhanam was removed and taken to the executive office room for examination. The results of the inspection will be submitted before the court and will be made available to the investigation team and the accused.