‘Check for Sabarimala gold crown at Aranmula; Absence points to massive corruption’

PATHANAMTHITTA: Travancore Devaswom Board President K Jayakumar came forward responding to the reports of the missing gold crown of 55.72 sovereigns from the strong room in Sabarimala. Reports say the crown is not in Sabarimala. It should be examined whether the crown is in Aranmula, he said.

‘A final explanation can be given only after discussing the matter with the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner today. The unofficial information is that the crown is in Aranmula. Expecting a clarity on the matter by evening. If it is not in both places, it should be considered as a major corruption,’ he said.

The information of the missing gold crown was noticed during an inventory of the Thiruvabharanam (sacred ornaments), conducted as per the high court’s direction. The missing crown was donated by devotees from Tamil Nadu in 2012. An imitation crown of the same size and design is presently kept in the strong room. It is also studded with white stones resembling diamonds. The total weight of the crown when it was donated was 445.78 grams. However, the imitation crown there now weighs only 240 grams.

The inventory of the valuables at Sabarimala was started under the leadership of high court amicus curiae Justice K T Sankaran in the wake of the Sabarimala gold theft. Crucial information emerged during this inspection.