Thiruvananthapuram, 29 May (H.S.):The administration of the historic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple has strongly rejected a police report alleging theft of gold and other valuable items from the temple premises, describing the claims as baseless and misleading. The temple’s governing committee has also decided to seek legal action against the officer who prepared the report.

At a meeting held on Thursday, the temple administration asserted that no valuable ornaments or assets had gone missing from the temple and that there had been no lapse in security. The committee resolved to submit a formal report to the Home Minister demanding action against the officer responsible for preparing what it termed an inaccurate and damaging report.

The controversy erupted after reports surfaced suggesting that precious ornaments and other valuable items had allegedly disappeared from the temple and that there were serious security shortcomings within the shrine. However, the temple administration categorically denied these allegations, maintaining that the claims were entirely unfounded.

In a statement, the governing committee said that stringent security protocols are in place at the temple and that all employees undergo mandatory checks while entering and leaving the premises. It emphasized that no valuables had been reported missing at any point and that the temple’s security arrangements remained robust.

“The allegations regarding missing valuables and security breaches are completely false. No precious item has been lost from the temple. The attempts to spread such claims appear to be motivated and malicious,” the administration said.

The issue gained prominence after Home Minister K. Muraleedharan sought an explanation from the temple administration regarding a police report that raised concerns over the safety of valuable temple assets. The report was reportedly based on findings submitted by Intelligence ADGP P. Vijayan.

Subsequently, the State Police Chief wrote to the Home Department Secretary highlighting concerns that valuable items from the temple could be going missing. The communication triggered widespread discussion and raised questions about the security of the temple, which is renowned worldwide for its immense treasure and historical significance.

Responding to the allegations, the temple’s Executive Officer submitted a detailed clarification, rejecting the claims as factually incorrect and reiterating that there had been no security lapse or loss of valuables. The temple administration has now sought to put the controversy to rest while demanding accountability for what it calls a misleading police report.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman