Former Kerala LoP Ramesh Chennithala has ignited fresh debate over the Sabarimala temple’s gold robbery investigation, terming the SIT report ‘unconvincing and rushed.’ This bold stance challenges the official narrative on a case that has gripped the nation, involving the pilfering of sacred gold assets valued at several crores from the hilltop shrine.
Details of the heist paint a picture of brazen vulnerability: Thieves exploited a quiet night, bypassing rudimentary safeguards to access the garbha griha. Recovered items were minimal, leaving most gold untraced. The SIT pinned blame on low-level employees, but Chennithala argues this scapegoats the foot soldiers while bigger fish escape.
In his detailed critique, delivered at a public meeting in Thiruvananthapuram, Chennithala flagged procedural flaws—delayed FIR, contaminated crime scene, and selective questioning. ‘Devotees deserve transparency, not a whitewash,’ he emphasized, rallying support for a high court monitored probe.
The controversy underscores systemic issues plaguing temple administration. Critics point to chronic underfunding and nepotism in staff hiring, breeding opportunities for crime. Political rivals accuse the Congress of exploiting faith for votes, yet public sentiment leans toward Chennithala’s push for accountability.
With the monsoon trek season nearing, urgency mounts. Temple board vows upgrades like biometric entry and 24/7 monitoring, but skepticism lingers. This saga tests not just law enforcement but the sanctity of traditions drawing 40 million pilgrims annually. Will Chennithala’s questions spur real reform, or deepen divides?