World · India Bureau
Sabarimala ghee scam deepens with temple staff complicity uncovered
An ongoing investigation into the theft of sanctified ghee from the Sabarimala temple has revealed the involvement of multiple Travancore Devaswom Board employees. The probe found that over 11,000 kilograms of Milma ghee were diverted and sold illegally, with proceeds distributed among conspirators.
LSN India ·
A widening investigation into the misappropriation of ghee from Kerala's Sabarimala temple has exposed the involvement of Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) staff in the multi-lakh rupee scam. Vigilance authorities found that Binu, identified as the prime accused in the scheme, received ₹50 lakh from the illegal sale of 11,000 kilograms of Milma ghee to two companies operating in Tamil Nadu.
According to the probe findings, Binu distributed ₹20 lakh among Devaswom board employees as their cut from the illicit transaction. The payment structure indicates a coordinated effort involving multiple individuals within the temple's administrative apparatus to facilitate the theft and subsequent sale of the sanctified ghee.
The investigation has expanded from initial suspicions of procurement irregularities to uncovering a systematic diversion of temple resources. The involvement of TDB employees has triggered questions about oversight mechanisms within the board and the security of materials within the temple premises. Vigilance officials continue their probe to establish the full extent of the scam and identify all individuals involved in the scheme.