Sabarimala gold theft case: Former Devaswom Board president N Vasu named third accused

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former Devaswom Board President N Vasu was made an accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case. Vasu was named the third accused in the custody report of Unnikrishnan Potty. The investigation team found that the gold-plated dwarapalakas were written as copper-plated on the recommendation of the then Devaswom Commissioner on March 19, 2019. N. Vasu was the Devaswom Commissioner until March 31, 2019. A few days ago, Vasu was questioned by the special investigation team in the case.

N. Vasu stated that he was not involved in the gold theft. He only handed over the letter given by the executive officer to the board recommending gold plating. Further action should be taken based on the report of the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner.

Vasu retired in March 2019. The Devaswom Commissioner had no role in providing the layers for gold plating. These are matters within the authority of the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner. The gold was taken after a Mahazar was prepared, and the gold was examined by the Devaswom goldsmith. Vasu also gave a statement that the layers were provided based on the order of the Devaswom Secretary.

The special investigation team confirmed a serious lapse by Vasu in the case. The investigation team says that Potty had sent an email to Vasu, the then president of the board, seeking permission to use the remaining gold for the marriage of a girl. Vasu said that the email was sent seeking advice, not the president's permission. Vasu said he had no idea that Potty was talking about the gold from the temple shrine. Vasu said he had printed the email and returned it with a note on it saying, 'Take the opinion of the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner and Sabarimala Executive Officer'.