Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 5: The Kerala government on Wednesday constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged irregularities in the procurement of Milma ghee and other materials for the Sabarimala temple, making it the second such investigation ordered into the affairs of the hill shrine in the past two years.
The move follows a Kerala High Court directive to set up an SIT to investigate the alleged ghee procurement scam.
Last year, the High Court had ordered the formation of another SIT to probe the alleged gold scam linked to Sabarimala.
Following the latest order, Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham submitted a panel of five Vigilance inspectors for the investigation team and shortlisted three IPS officers of Superintendent of Police rank. M.J. Sojan has been appointed to head the probe.
Meanwhile, a separate vigilance report has expanded the scope of the controversy, pointing to alleged serious lapses in the procurement of materials for the Sabarimala Main Store between 2017 and 2020.
The report, submitted to the Devaswom Ombudsman, stated that procurement quantities far exceeded actual requirements, with officials allegedly purchasing more than five times the required quantity in the name of temple rituals.
The inquiry, initiated based on a complaint, has also raised concerns over the possible involvement of suppliers in the procurement process.
During surprise inspections conducted in 2020, excess stocks of honey and ingredients used for preparing ‘Aravana payasam’ were reportedly found. The report noted that there was no clear record of how the surplus materials were disposed of.
It also highlighted unusually high claims of damage to Aravana packing materials, suggesting that firms involved in supply contracts may have had a role in the alleged irregularities.
The vigilance report has recommended a special audit of procurement transactions and sought a detailed investigation into the functioning of the Main Store.
The findings indicate that the alleged irregularities could extend beyond the Milma ghee procurement issue, which is now being examined by the SIT constituted on the directions of the Kerala High Court.