SIT hands over files to vigilance on installation of flagpole in Sabarimala

KOCHI: The special investigation team (SIT) has handed over the files related to the re-installation of the flagpole in Sabarimala in 2017 to the vigilance. The statements of 27 who donated gold and Advocate Commissioner advocate A S P Kurup will be recorded soon.

The devaswom vigilance had mentioned in its report submitted to the high court the other day that it was an irregularity from the side of Kurup accepting gold directly from devotees. The devaswom vigilance had recorded Kurup's statement. The interim order issued by the high court on Monday confirmed that Kurup directly accepted gold.

Out of the total 9573 grams of gold required for the re-installation of the flagpole, 412.010 grams were donated by 27 devotees. All this was received under the leadership of Kurup. This includes 246.520 grams of gold biscuits (999.9 purity) donated by a film producer and another person on June 10, 2017. These were recorded in the Mahasar and handed over to a sculptor named Venkatesh through the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner. This is the account passed by the devaswom board. The documents have also been submitted in the high court. However, Form 3A receipts were not issued to those who donated the gold. The report also states that the action of the advocate commissioner exceeded the jurisdiction.