'Government and Devaswom Board conspired in gold theft in Sabarimala': VD Satheesan demands investigation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition leader VD Satheesan has alleged that the Devaswom Board and the government are involved in the theft of gold from Sabarimala. He alleged that this is an issue that has shocked crores of Ayyappa devotees and that the gold in Sabarimala has been stolen.

VD Satheesan's words:

'The gold was taken without following any procedures. Items can be taken from Sabarimala only under the strict supervision of the High Court. The gold should be plated within the temple premises and not taken outside. The item was brought to Chennai after 40 days. There should be an investigation into where this item was for 39 days. They were busy making a mold of the same model using copper throughout those days. The gold never reached the factory. It was scraped off here itself.

"The gold plating was done through a technical process that lets the gold to be separated from the copper. The use of this technology was pre-planned to remove the gold when needed. It is time to examine what all has been removed from Sabarimala during this period. The investigation currently underway is about the procedures. Actually, what should be investigated is the removal of the gold."

"The Devaswom Board authorities and the government knowingly conspired to loot the gold in Sabarimala. The Devaswom Board President and administrators, despite knowing that the gold was gone, have connived and given it away. Therefore, the Devaswom Board President should resign immediately."