Sabarimala Flag Mast Gold Probe Includes Actors Mohanlal and Dileep in Kerala

22 out of 27 donors, including famous actors and filmmakers, have given statements to the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau about Sabarimala flag mast gold.
By Newsroom | Temple Scams, Kerala |

A probe into alleged irregularities surrounding the Sabarimala temple flag mast installation has expanded to include statements from well-known actors. The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) is investigating discrepancies in gold and funds used for the mast, prompting questioning of several individuals who donated to the project.

Vigilance records statements of actors Mohanlal, Dileep in Sabarimala flag mast probe - 1

The inquiry was initiated following concerns about the handling of donations for the flag mast, a significant structure at the revered Sabarimala temple. The Kerala High Court has ordered the VACB to conduct a preliminary investigation, including recording statements from donors and reviewing financial records, with a report due within 30 days. This has brought to light the involvement of prominent personalities who contributed to the project.

Vigilance records statements of actors Mohanlal, Dileep in Sabarimala flag mast probe - 2

Timeline and Key Events

The process leading to the current investigation involves several stages:

Vigilance records statements of actors Mohanlal, Dileep in Sabarimala flag mast probe - 3

  • 2017: A new flag mast was installed at the Sabarimala temple. Donations, including gold and cash, were sought for this project.

  • February 9, [Current Year]: The Kerala High Court granted the VACB 30 days to complete a preliminary inquiry into alleged misappropriation of gold and funds related to the flag mast installation. The court also highlighted procedural lapses, specifically the lack of individual receipts for donors, which it deemed a breach of financial accountability norms.

  • Following the Court Order: The VACB formed a four-member team to investigate the irregularities and began recording statements from individuals who had donated for the flag mast.

Donors and Their Contributions

  • Identified Donors: Approximately 27 primary sponsors have been identified as having contributed gold for the project.

  • Recorded Statements: As of recent reports, the VACB has recorded statements from 22 of these 27 individuals.

  • Prominent Contributors: Statements have been recorded from figures including filmmakers Shaji Kailas, actor-writer Renji Panicker, producer Suresh Kumar, Union Minister Suresh Gopi, and actors Mohanlal and Dileep.

  • Convenient Scheduling: The VACB is scheduling interviews with remaining donors at times convenient to them.

Allegations and Official Actions

The core of the investigation revolves around alleged financial irregularities:

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  • Discrepancies in Gold Quantity: Reports indicate a variance between the total quantity of gold available (including customs purchase and donations) and the amount officially recorded as used for the flag mast.

  • Total Gold Available: 9,573.010 grams

  • Gold Recorded as Utilized: 9,340.2 grams

  • This suggests a potential shortfall that requires explanation.

  • Procedural Lapses: The Kerala High Court has noted that individual receipts were not issued to donors, a failure that breaches established financial accountability norms under Devaswom rules.

  • Court Scrutiny: The High Court has emphasized the seriousness of the discrepancies and has ordered forensic testing of temple gold structures as part of the ongoing probe.

  • Potential Offenses: The VACB's findings suggest possible offenses including criminal misappropriation, breach of trust, falsification of records, and cheating, as per relevant legal statutes.

Statements from Key Individuals

  • Actor Mohanlal: His statement was recorded recently, with sources indicating it was taken in Thiruvananthapuram. He is among the 27 donors whose statements are being collected.

  • Actor Dileep: His statement has also been recorded, with officials confirming it was taken in Kochi. He is also listed as one of the donors.

  • Union Minister Suresh Gopi: His statement has been recorded. He has provided explanations regarding his contribution, including affixing gold sheets himself and his promise to donate gold.

  • Filmmakers and Producers: Statements from Shaji Kailas, Renji Panicker, and Suresh Kumar have already been recorded by the VACB.

Evidence and Documentation

  • VACB Sources: Officials from the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau are the primary source for information regarding the recording of statements and the progress of the investigation.

  • Court Orders: Directives from the Kerala High Court have mandated the preliminary inquiry and the submission of a report within a specific timeframe.

  • Donor Contributions: Records indicate that 27 individuals, including actors and filmmakers, donated gold and money for the flag mast.

  • Gold Accounting Records: The investigation hinges on comparing the documented quantity of gold received against the quantity reported as utilized.

Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps

The VACB continues to gather information and record statements. The preliminary inquiry, mandated by the High Court, is expected to conclude with a report detailing the findings. The nature of the allegations suggests that further legal actions could be considered depending on the evidence uncovered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) investigating the Sabarimala flag mast?
The VACB is investigating possible problems with the gold and money used to install the Sabarimala temple flag mast in 2017. The Kerala High Court ordered this probe because of concerns about how donations were handled.
Q: Which famous people have given statements to the VACB about the Sabarimala flag mast gold?
The VACB has recorded statements from well-known actors like Mohanlal and Dileep, filmmaker Shaji Kailas, actor-writer Renji Panicker, producer Suresh Kumar, and Union Minister Suresh Gopi. They are among the 27 people who donated gold for the mast.
Q: What are the main concerns in the Sabarimala flag mast gold investigation?
The investigation looks into a possible difference between the amount of gold received and the amount used for the flag mast. There is also a concern that donors did not receive individual receipts, which is against financial rules.
Q: What did the Kerala High Court say about the Sabarimala flag mast investigation?
The High Court ordered the VACB to do a preliminary investigation and report back in 30 days. The court also noted that not giving individual receipts to donors was a breach of financial accountability.
Q: How much gold is involved in the Sabarimala flag mast investigation?
About 9,573 grams of gold were available, including customs purchase and donations. The amount officially recorded as used for the flag mast is about 9,340 grams. The investigation is looking into this difference.