THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Kerala Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan on Saturday said that an investigation will be launched into the alleged security lapses and missing valuables at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple here after consultation with the Home Ministry.
The minister stressed that this issue will be discussed with the utmost seriousness, and said that no one will be allowed to interfere in the temple’s assets under any circumstances.
He told reporters here that the government requested a report from the temple’s administrative committee and received a response.
“But this will not prevent the government from conducting an investigation. After discussions with the Home Ministry, the investigation will be announced,” Muraleedharan said.
His remarks came a day after the managing committee of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple rejected the police report alleging loss of valuables and security lapses at the famous shrine and demanded action against the officers who prepared it.
Responding to questions regarding non-disclosure of details related to the temple’s finances, the minister said that all accounts associated with the shrine should be transparent.
“Even if the temple does not declare the accounts, the government will disclose the accounts under its custody. Government funds should also be transparent,” he added.
Referring to an issue related to the ongoing investigation into the alleged loss of gold in the Sabarimala temple, Muralidharan said the government was not satisfied with the developments so far.
But he noted that the government had no authority to replace the Special Investigation Team, as it had been appointed by the Supreme Court.
He added: “We will seek legal advice and take further steps in this matter.”
In a statement issued on Friday, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple Committee said a detailed internal verification found that the diamond ornament described as “missing” in the police report was safely kept inside the sanctum sanctorum.
The committee said that the report submitted by the temple’s executive officer, after examining the ornaments, lamps and inventory records, confirmed that gold coins, gold bullion and other offerings made by devotees were kept safely and properly accounted for.
She also said that regular audits of valuables are conducted.
The committee rejected allegations of security violations and asserted that all devotees, employees and guests entering the temple were screened by the security wing of the Kerala Police stationed at the shrine.
The committee accused the police officers concerned of submitting a “factually incorrect report” without consulting the temple authorities or conducting a proper investigation, which it alleged had defamed the temple administration and the management committee.
In a meeting held on Friday, the administrative committee decided to ask the Kerala government to take appropriate action against the officers responsible for the report.
The controversy emerged after media reports claimed that around 78 grams of gold bullion and coins offered by devotees had disappeared from the temple. Reports also cited a police report indicating that there were “serious security lapses” at the shrine.
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