Travancore Devaswom Board audit report: Scam of Rs 50 lakh in eight Sub-Groups

ALAPPUZHA: A scam of Rs 50,79,502 has been reported from the eight Devaswom sub-groups of the Travancore Devaswom Board from Thiruvananthapuram to Cherthala. This is according to the latest audit report released. The figures are for the period from 2012 to 18. The audit from 2020-21 to September 30, 2025, is ongoing. It would be difficult to uncover all fraud due to the limited staff available to conduct the audit. The figures for 2019-20 also need to be released.

Out of the 223 sub-group devaswoms under the Travancore Devaswom Board, audits were conducted in 66 sub-groups in 2019-20. There was no audit in the remaining 157 sub-groups. During this period, those who embezzled small amounts of money returned the cash with interest and avoided a case. Those who embezzled large amounts of money are facing investigation and trial as accused in vigilance cases.

If frauds, including embezzlement, are discovered only after the death of employees or their retirement, the only solution would be to stop pensions. Such measures are also ineffective due to sympathy and political interference. Many cases thus end up in compromise.

Irregularities found in the audit from 2012-13 to 2016-17

(In order of year, temple, amount)

2013......Cherthala Karthiyayani Temple......... 4,61,469

2013......Melila Devaswom Temple.............................5,91,310

2016...... Velinalloor Temple..................................10,57,635

2018......Thelliyoorkavu Temple.................................9,61,491

2018......Thiruvanvandoor Temple................................2,16,639

2018......Aniyoor Sub Group..................................4,91,353

2019......Thevalappuram Temple......................................4,58,971

2015......Chavara Devaswom.................................................8,40,634

Total..................................................................................50,79,502