Sabarimala gold scam: Devaswom Board suspends Assistant Engineer

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Travancore Devaswom Board has suspended Assistant Engineer K. Sunil Kumar, who is listed as an accused in the Sabarimala gold scam. The action was taken over irregularities in records — when the gold plates were handed over to Unnikrishnan Potty, they were falsely recorded as copper sheets.

The board meeting held on Tuesday decided to seek an explanation from seven retired officials who are also accused in the case. They must submit their explanations within ten days. If the explanations are found unsatisfactory, the board may withhold part or all of their pensions, either temporarily or permanently, under KSR (Kerala Service Rules). The board may also recover the financial loss from them.

Earlier, former Administrative Officer Murari Babu had also been suspended by the board. Among the accused, only Murari Babu and Assistant Engineer Sunil Kumar are still in service.

Investigation team collects records

The special investigation team visited the Devaswom Board headquarters on Tuesday and collected more documents and details from the Devaswom Vigilance Department. Copies of relevant records and witness statements were also taken. The team arrived while the board meeting was in progress.

Gold melted in Hyderabad?

Investigators suspect that Unnikrishnan Potty transported the gold plates to Hyderabad and had them melted at a company named Mantra Gold Coatings. It is believed that the melted gold was then taken to Smart Creations in Chennai. Both companies are owned by Pankaj Bhandari. Reports suggest that Unnikrishnan Potty may be questioned again before being formally arrested.

“Do not spread false propaganda against the Devaswom Board until the investigation reveals the truth. Those who are guilty will definitely be punished.”

- P.S. Prashanth, President, Travancore Devaswom Board