Second arrest in Sabarimala ghee diversion case as temple official held

The arrest marks the second in an ongoing investigation into the misappropriation of clarified butter reserved for religious ceremonies at one of Kerala's most significant Hindu pilgrimage sites. The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau acted on evidence suggesting systematic diversion of ghee supplies intended for temple rituals.

The accused, identified as a Travancore Devaswom Board employee, is suspected of involvement in a scheme that circumvented proper inventory management and accountability procedures at the temple. The TDB oversees the administration and financial affairs of Sabarimala and several other temples in Kerala.

Investigators have been tracing supply chains and financial records to determine the extent of the alleged misappropriation and identify all parties involved in the diversion scheme. The first arrest in the case came shortly before this development, indicating the investigation is progressing on multiple fronts.

The Sabarimala temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, attracts millions of devotees annually and maintains strict protocols regarding ritual materials. Any breach in the procurement and management of sanctified items like ghee draws close scrutiny from both devotional communities and administrative authorities.