Investigation Reveals Criminal Conspiracy and Breach of Trust by Travancore Devaswom Board Members
In a significant ruling, the Kerala High Court has directed stringent action against the accused involved in the misappropriation of gold cladding from the Dwarapalakas at the Sabarimala Temple. The court, while examining a detailed report submitted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), uncovered a complex criminal conspiracy involving officers and members of the Travancore Devaswom Board and others.
The investigation revealed that the Dwarapalakas, originally clad with gold in 1998, were transported to Chennai in 2019 under the guise of maintenance. However, this was a ploy to remove the gold cladding and replace it with a thin film of gold, misappropriating the original gold. Despite the substandard quality of the work, a warranty certificate was falsely issued, which eventually led to the exposure of the copper surface, prompting further investigation.
The court noted that the accused, including key figures such as Murari Babu, Executive Officer, and Unnikrishnan Potty, the sponsor, among others, engaged in a premeditated conspiracy to conceal the theft and misappropriation. They influenced the decision-making process of the Travancore Devaswom Board to transport the Dwarapalakas for a second time to Chennai, further covering up their illicit activities.
The Kerala High Court has mandated the Special Investigation Team to pursue the investigation with utmost diligence, ensuring that all accused are brought to justice. The court emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, leaving no stone unturned, and stressed the gravity of the allegations due to the involvement of individuals in positions of trust and responsibility.
The court has directed the SIT to initiate stringent action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and ensure the logical conclusion of the case. This ruling underscores the judicial commitment to upholding the sanctity and security of temple assets and bringing the perpetrators of such egregious acts to justice.
Bottom Line:
Misappropriation of gold cladding on Dwarapalakas at Sabarimala Temple - Investigation reveals criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, and forgery by officers and members of Travancore Devaswom Board and others to conceal theft and misappropriation of gold - Stringent action directed under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Statutory provision(s): Sections 316(2), 316(5), 336(2), 61(2) read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Suo Motu v. State of Kerala, (Kerala)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2931840
