Let the Sabarimala probe continue smoothly

Everywhere in the world, Kerala is synonymous with Sabarimala, a shining symbol of spirituality and devotion. Despite various challenges and controversies, the number of devotees climbing the hill with the 'Irumudikettu' continues to grow every year. The temple’s revenue has also increased by several lakhs. Though there were some initial difficulties this season, the situation has now stabilised, and a peaceful atmosphere has been established. Many of the measures introduced by the newly appointed Devaswom Board, led by poet and former Chief Secretary K. Jayakumar, have helped ensure smooth darshan.

The Sabarimala gold theft case has been a major political issue even before the Mandala season began. Everyone is satisfied with the SIT investigation being carried out under the supervision of the High Court. The inquiry so far has been impartial and free from political influence, and the High Court has also expressed satisfaction. The Devaswom Bench has clarified that the High Court has not stopped the investigation into the black-money angle of the gold theft. This has opened the way for the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to begin its probe, which is seen as a welcome move by the public and Ayyappa devotees. Devotees endure hardships and climb the sacred hill with deep faith, offering all their burdens at the feet of Lord Ayyappa. When they return after darshan, their minds are as clear as the sky.

For devotees, Ayyappa represents devotion, courage, and sacrifice. The sanctum provides comfort and protection for those who seek refuge. Therefore, the unfortunate incidents at Sabarimala, especially the gold theft, have deeply hurt the devotees. The investigation under the High Court’s supervision offers hope of healing that wound. Devotees believe that the truth—“the Makara Jyothi of justice”—will emerge through this process. Anyone who has been honest and just toward Sabarimala has nothing to fear from the investigation. The government also maintains that the culprits must be identified and punished. The High Court has instructed the Enforcement Directorate to approach the Ranni Magistrate Court with a fresh application seeking copies of the FIR and witness statements filed by the Crime Branch in the gold theft case. The Magistrate Court should make an appropriate decision after hearing the government’s position.

Meanwhile, the court has granted the SIT an extension of one and a half months to continue its investigation, as it needs to examine transactions related to the Devaswom Board from 2014 to 2025. The Devaswom Bench, comprising Justice V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice K.V. Jayakumar, stated that the investigation has been satisfactory so far. The ED suspects that black-money transactions related to the gold theft took place in Bengaluru. The SIT has already registered offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the ED’s probe will likely run parallel to that, focusing on financial irregularities. The public does not want the Sabarimala investigation to become a political issue. A careful and impartial inquiry will help reveal the truth and expose wrongdoing. Devotees pray that, under the High Court’s guidance, the investigation advances steadily—crossing Neelimala and Karimala—and reaches the sanctum of truth. This is also the hope of the general public.