Sabarimala Gold Theft Case Expands

The special investigation team (SIT) and Devaswom Vigilance are looking into the replacement of the flagpole at the Sabarimala Temple in 2017.

The flagpole was replaced during the tenure of Prayar Gopalakrishnan as the president of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).

The investigation was ordered by the Kerala High Court.

The old flagpole was said to have a damaged base, but it was made of concrete.

Footage shows Prayar Gopalakrishnan and another board member handing over a part of the flagpole, called 'vaji vahanam,' to Thantri Rajeevaru, who was arrested in the Sabarimala gold theft case.

The SIT found the 'vaji vahanam' during a raid and submitted it to the court.

The old flagpole was erected in the 1970s, and questions remain about the whereabouts of the Ashtadik Palakar, a valuable part of the old flagpole.

Additionally, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau is investigating the theft of Rs 35 lakh from the sale of Adiya Sishtam Ghee, a sacred offering at Sabarimala.

A scientific report on the gold cladding of various artefacts and door frames of the Lord Ayyappa temple has been submitted to the vigilance court.

The report will be examined by the SIT for further investigation.

Unnikrishnan Potty, the prime accused in the gold theft case, has moved a fresh bail plea before the vigilance court.