Kochi, 26 March (H.S.):The Kerala High Court has closed the vigilance case related to alleged irregularities in the reconstruction of the flag mast at Sabarimala Temple, bringing an end to a long-standing controversy. The court took the decision after considering a quick verification report submitted by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, which found no evidence to support the allegations.

The High Court ruled that no further proceedings were required in the case, effectively dismissing claims of financial misconduct linked to the project. The investigation was initiated following accusations that gold donated by devotees for the reconstruction had been misused.

According to the vigilance report, a total of 412 grams of gold had been collected through donations specifically for the reconstruction of the temple’s flag mast. The probe confirmed that the entire quantity of gold was properly utilised for the intended purpose, including associated structures such as the Vahana and the Ashtadikpalaka elements.

Statements were recorded from 23 individuals, including several prominent contributors. Among the donors were noted personalities such as Mohanlal, Ranjith Panicker, Priyadarshan, Shaji Kailas, and Suresh Gopi. In total, 27 individuals had contributed to the project, though details of four donors could not be traced.

The vigilance report also noted that official receipts had been issued by the Devaswom authorities for all gold donations, further strengthening the transparency of the process.

The reconstruction of the Sabarimala flag mast was carried out in 2017 during the tenure of the then UDF administration. Allegations of irregularities in the utilisation of donated gold had prompted the High Court to order a vigilance inquiry.

With the findings confirming that no misappropriation occurred, the court has now brought the matter to a close, offering relief to all those associated with the project.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman