Over ₹186 crore in gold missing from Padmanabha Swamy temple

 

Amid allegations of gross mismanagement and misappropriation of funds, the Travancore royal family claimed it was deeply hurt by a report submitted by a committee formed to look into allegations of missing gold and funds in the Padmanabha Swamy temple. The royal family used to run the temple during the period under scrutiny.

 

The audit committee, formed under the leadership of former Comptroller and Auditor General Vinod Rai, has submitted its report to the Supreme Court. The report pointed out several instances of misappropriation of funds and loopholes in the financial management of the temple.

 

Rumours about the report confirming the loss of a significant amount of gold have been making the rounds for over a week. According to sources, the committee has submitted a two-volume report, with a total of 1000 pages, divided into five categories.

 

Among other things, over 263 pieces of jewellery, taken out for cleaning (purification) are missing along with 769 golden pots.

 

The committee has stressed for a probe to find the missing gold articles.

 

The Padmanabha Swamy temple shot to international fame after a massive treasure hoard was found in secret vaults in the temple's basement four years ago.

 

The temple is currently under the administration of a committee appointed by the Supreme Court as a case is pending in the court over its management. The Administrative Committee is headed by the district and sessions judge.

 

Royal family cries foul

 

The erstwhile Travancore Royal family, which had earlier managed the famous Padmanabha Swamy temple, said the missing gold had caused it "extreme mental agony".

 

The Royal family was reacting to reports which said the committee had found 'abnormal' increases in the expenditure at the temple, and it had recommended the constitution of a panel to probe the 'irregularities'.

 

The family, in a statement, said the report had been submitted to the Supreme Court, and the court will hear all the parties before a final decision.

 

"The media reports have come out this way, and it has caused the Palace extreme mental agony. This type of report will cause a big misunderstanding among the people," it said.

 

The statement said the Rai committee had submitted the report without seeking any explanation from temple Executive Officer, Treasurer or those in responsible positions during the period from April 2002 to April 2014 or from anyone from the Royal family.

 

"... any explanation had not been sought from the Executive Officer, Treasurer or those holding responsible positions during the period... Not only that, but they have also not made any attempt to elicit information in this regard from the Palace," it said.

 

The report about missing golden pots was made by numbers marked on the pots.

 

"The Palace has no information whether there is any basis for this report or if it has any connection with reality," it said.