SNDP general secretary Vellappally Natesan has warned against “secret groups” allegedly extorting money from wealthy devotees in Kerala’s Devaswom-managed temples. He also called for ending what he termed the “mismanagement” of Devaswom Boards.

Writing in Yoganadam, the mouthpiece of the SNDP, Natesan alleged that Devaswom employees and middlemen were part of such gangs. He said that though Devaswom Boards are autonomous bodies, their top positions are filled by political appointees whose loyalties influence temple administration. “In a secular government, there is no need for political intervention in temple affairs,” he wrote.

His remarks gain significance amid the ongoing gold-plating row at Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple under the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). Bengaluru-based businessman Unnikrishnan Potty had sponsored the gold plating of Dwarapalaka idols in 2019. Recently, a missing Dwarapalaka peedam was recovered from a relative’s house, prompting the Kerala High Court to order a probe.

Natesan further alleged that Devaswom Boards lack transparency in handling temple assets and have failed to audit invaluable articles. Citing Sabarimala, he said even quantities of gold donated years ago by businessman Vijay Mallya were reportedly missing. “The same situation exists in other major temples, including Guruvayoor, Chottanikkara, Eattumanoor, Vaikom and Tripunithura,” he said.

Meanwhile, UDF convenor Adoor Prakash demanded a central agency probe into the Sabarimala gold-plating row, alleging that only a comprehensive investigation can reveal whether Devaswom officials were complicit. The Congress and BJP have also sought a CBI inquiry.