The assembly session was disrupted for the second consecutive day in the wake of serious observations by the High Court regarding the gold-clad copper coverings of the Dwarapalaka idols. Speaker A N Shamseer suspended the question-hour session in the Assembly on Tuesday after the opposition raised slogans and displayed banners. “An SIT has been formed to probe the gold-plating row. Hence, the issue does not need to be discussed now,” Shamseer said. The opposition did not pay heed and persisted with the protests, forcing the speaker to cancel the proceedings till noon. 

The Kerala High Court on Monday constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. The court took suo motu cognisance based on a report by the Special Commissioner, which stated that the gold-clad copper covering of the Dwarapalaka idols and the peedam (pedestal) had been removed without prior intimation. The Travancore Devaswom Board had earlier sent the items to Smart Creations in Chennai for electroplating, sponsored by Potty.

During the hearing, the Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K V Jayachandran noted a decrease of around 4 kg in the weight of the gold after the idols were handed over to Smart Creations in 2019.

Meanwhile, Devaswom Board President P S Prasanth said on Tuesday that strict action will be taken if any discrepancies are found in the weight of gold in the Dwarapalaka idols of the Sabarimala temple. “Even if a pinch of gold has gone missing, those responsible will be held accountable. The investigation is being carried out based on the High Court’s orders, and the report will be submitted within six weeks,” Prasanth told the media.

He added that the Devaswom Board hoped to resolve the controversy before the Mandala-Makaravilakku festival. “We are concerned the row could affect the festival, though we hope it won’t. I reiterate that immediate action will be taken against anyone responsible, irrespective of their position. In the 2019 matter, the Vigilance has already noted several lapses by authorities. We will discuss the issue today and take necessary decisions,” he said.

Prasanth also said that any mail or message received in connection with the issue would be thoroughly examined by the Devaswom Board as part of the ongoing probe. He added, “Unnikrishnan Potty is a dubious personality; there is no doubt about that. This only came to light when he made allegations against the Devaswom Board. Earlier, he was seen as a saint by the public and BJP leaders. Now, the truth has come out. Let’s be patient with the investigation. This incident did not happen during my tenure. A protest march to my house is pointless. I have followed all protocols during my time in office, and that is why we have full confidence in the probe.”