‘Mohanlal promised to donate gold, I myself affixed gold sheets’

KOLLAM: Actor and Union Minister Suresh Gopi has given an explanation on the speculations over the reconstruction of the Sabarimala flag mast (kodimaram). He clarified that he himself had affixed the gold sheets on the Vaji Vahanam atop the flag mast. He also added that his son Gokul Suresh, director Shaji Kailas, and screenwriter Renji Panicker had together fixed gold on the Ashtadikpalaka idols.

The vigilance had the other day collected details of those who contributed gold and other donations for the reconstruction of the Sabarimala flag mast. Information about 27 people, including prominent figures from the film and cultural fields, was sought. The move is to record their statements in person. Suresh Gopi responded soon after this.

He said, ‘It was during the time when my uncle was the chairman of the Travancore Devaswom Board that a Devaprasnam indicated the need to reinstall the flag mast. It was said that the new flag mast would last for 300 to 400 years. I wished that a part of my sweat should be in it. Gold from home was given to a jeweler and then converted into 24-carat gold. Mohanlal called me and said he would also contribute gold. Many others became part of it. Devotees including Ajay Tharayil and Prayar Gopalakrishnan properly recorded and received everything. Did not wait to collect a receipt. It was offered to Lord Ayyappa. Let the police investigate. I have not kept any documents; they may have kept it,’ said Suresh Gopi.

The devaswom vigilance had earlier submitted a report to the high court stating that there were serious procedural violations in the acceptance of gold during the flag mast reconstruction in 2017. Visuals of Suresh Gopi, Gokul Suresh, Sudheer Karamana, Renji Panicker, and Suresh Kumar attending the function had emerged. However, in the list submitted by former Advocate Commissioner ASP Kurup, only Suresh Gopi’s name was included.