Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Kerala High Court Orders Probe Into Sabarimala Fund Misappropriation
The Kerala High Court has ordered an investigation into the alleged misuse of money from the sale of a special ghee at the Sabarimala temple.
The court thinks a lot of money might have been taken improperly in just a short time.
They want to make sure the people in charge are doing their jobs right.
Meanwhile, a former member of the temple's administrative board, KP Sankaradas, was arrested in connection with a gold theft case at the temple.
The court was upset that the arrest took so long, especially since Sankaradas has been in the hospital.
The investigation aims to find out what happened and hold those responsible accountable.
The Kerala High Court has ordered a probe into the alleged misappropriation of funds from the sale of 'Adiya Sishtam Ghee' at Sabarimala temple.
Approximately Rs 35 lakh is alleged to have been misappropriated over a period of less than two months, from November 17 to January 15.
The court directed the Vigilance Director to form a team to investigate the matter under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Former TDB member KP Sankaradas was arrested in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case, following criticism from the Kerala High Court over the delay in his arrest.
Sankaradas was arrested at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, where he has been undergoing treatment.
- Who
- Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) employees and higher-level administrators, including former TDB member KP Sankaradas
- What
- Alleged misappropriation of funds from the sale of 'Adiya Sishtam Ghee' and arrest of KP Sankaradas in the Sabarimala gold theft case
- When
- From November 17 to January 15 for the misappropriation; arrest on Wednesday
- Where
- Sabarimala temple, Kerala; arrest at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram
- Why
- To ascertain the full extent of the misappropriation of funds and to address the delay in arresting Sankaradas
Government and Temple Authorities
Critics and Opposition
Investigation and Accountability
Government and Temple Authorities
The government and temple authorities support the investigation to ensure accountability and transparency in the handling of temple funds.
Critics and Opposition
Critics argue that the investigation should be thorough and impartial, expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of internal probes.
- Temple
- Sabarimala
- Administrative Body
- Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB)
- Product in Question
- Adiya Sishtam Ghee
- Price per Packet
- Rs 100 per 100-ml
- Alleged Misappropriation Period
- November 17 to January 15
- Alleged Misappropriation Amount
- Approximately Rs 35 lakh
- Legal Action
- Probe under Prevention of Corruption Act
- Court Directive
- Form a team to investigate misappropriation
- Arrested Individual
- KP Sankaradas
- Role of Arrested Individual
- Former TDB Member
- Arrest Location
- Private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram
- Court Criticism
- Delay in arresting Sankaradas
Sources
Already besieged by ‘gold theft’ case, Sabarimala management faces another scandal – over ghee sales
Former TDB member Sankar Das arrested by SIT in Sabarimala gold loss cases
Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT arrests former TDB Member KP Sankaradas after Kerala High Court rap
