Thiruvananthapuram, August 12: Kerala’s Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan has demanded a thorough investigation into alleged irregularities in the procurement and supply of ghee at Sabarimala. He raised concerns about how a blacklisted company secured a contract, hinting at a larger conspiracy.
In a letter to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, Muraleedharan stated that shocking irregularities have emerged from the investigation conducted by the Devaswom Vigilance SP and the Devaswom Secretary regarding the ghee deal.
A special vigilance team is already investigating the matter under the direction of the Kerala High Court. However, the minister has called for a broader inquiry into aspects not covered by the ongoing investigation.
This step is crucial as the ghee supplied for use at Sabarimala is directly linked to the preparation of the temple’s sacred offerings. Any irregularities in its procurement, quality, or distribution could have consequences far more serious than typical contractual disputes.
According to the minister, the circumstances under which a blacklisted company was awarded the contract warrant a detailed investigation. He emphasized that this decision should not be viewed in isolation, as it raises the possibility of a larger conspiracy involving those responsible for the procurement process.
Muraleedharan has urged the Home Department to assign unresolved aspects of this case to a special investigation team.
This demand comes at a time when the High Court is overseeing a vigilance inquiry into allegations related to ghee transactions. The minister has specifically sought to ensure that the current vigilance investigation remains free from overlap or interference, while also requesting a separate examination of issues that have been excluded from its scope.
The call for a comprehensive investigation suggests that the Sabarimala ghee controversy may once again fall under political and administrative scrutiny. It raises questions about the internal vetting processes employed by the Travancore Devaswom Board when awarding contracts, as well as whether adequate safeguards were in place to prevent a blacklisted company from participating in sensitive temple procurement processes.
With the minister hinting at the possibility of a larger conspiracy, attention may now shift to who approved the contract, how the company was allowed to participate, and whether officials overlooked or bypassed existing safeguards.
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