Kochi, 27 Feb (H.S.):The Kerala Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has recorded the statements of actors Mohanlal and Dileep in connection with its ongoing investigation into the reconstruction of the golden flagstaff (kodimaram) at the Sabarimala temple. The probe pertains to alleged irregularities in the collection and utilisation of gold and monetary donations received for the project in 2017.

According to vigilance sources, the special investigation team questioned the actors regarding the gold they had reportedly donated for the reconstruction. Mohanlal, in his statement, said that he contributed two sovereigns of gold after being approached by his friend and fellow actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi. He stated that he purchased the gold from a jewellery store in Thiruvananthapuram and sent it to Pamba through a friend. His statement was recorded in Thiruvananthapuram.

Dileep’s statement was taken in Kochi. Officials said the questioning was part of efforts to verify the details of donations made by prominent individuals and devotees during the reconstruction process.

The High Court had directed that a special team led by the Vigilance Director conduct a detailed inquiry into the 2017 reconstruction of the temple flagstaff and submit a preliminary report within 30 days. The investigation is focused on allegations that gold and funds collected in the name of the reconstruction were misappropriated.

The reconstruction was carried out during the tenure of the Travancore Devaswom Board committee headed by Prayyar Gopalakrishnan, which had been appointed during the previous UDF government. The old flagstaff at Sabarimala was replaced with a new one amid significant public and religious interest.

Apart from individual devotees, a Bengaluru-based company had reportedly contributed ₹3 crore towards the reconstruction. Several other prominent donors, including Suresh Gopi, filmmaker Renji Panicker and producer Suresh Kumar, have already been questioned by vigilance officials as part of the probe.

The investigation seeks to determine whether any financial or material discrepancies occurred under the guise of the reconstruction project. The case has drawn considerable public attention, given the stature of the individuals involved and the religious significance of the Sabarimala temple.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman