Ex-TDB secretary appears before SIT in Sabarimala Gold Loss Probe

Former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) secretary S Jayasree appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Thursday for questioning in connection with the Sabarimala gold loss case, officials said.

Jayasree, the fourth accused in the case, served as the TDB secretary in 2019 when the alleged loss of gold from the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) plates took place. She was granted interim protection from arrest by the Supreme Court last month, citing her health condition, as she is undergoing treatment for a kidney-related ailment. Acting on the apex court’s directions, Jayasree presented herself before the SIT for interrogation scheduled on January 8 and 9.

According to officials, Jayasree arrived at the SIT office along with her family members in the morning. The allegations against her pertain to an order issued during her tenure, following which gold-clad copper plates of the Dwarapalaka idols were handed over to the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, for replating in 2019.

However, Jayasree has maintained her innocence, stating in petitions filed before the Kerala High Court and the Supreme Court that she acted on a collective decision of the Travancore Devaswom Board. She has asserted that she did not take any independent decision regarding the handing over of the Dwarapalaka plates or the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) doorframe plates, and merely implemented the board’s directions.

The SIT, constituted following directions from the Kerala High Court, is investigating two cases related to the alleged gold loss from the Sabarimala temple. So far, 10 people have been arrested in connection with the probe. Recently, the High Court reviewed the progress of the investigation and granted the SIT an additional six weeks to complete the inquiry.