Pathanamthitta: Amid the probe into the alleged gold theft, another irregularity has surfaced at Sabarimala— this time in the distribution of ‘aadiya sishtam neyy’ (ghee left over from neyyabhishekam offering). Around 16,000 packets of ghee, worth nearly ₹16 lakh, entrusted to a sales counter have gone missing. The Devaswom Vigilance has launched an inquiry into the incident.

Pilgrims who do not get a chance for the neyyabhishekam usually buy this ‘aadiya sishta neyy.’ It is sold in 100 ml pouches, priced at ₹100 per packet. The temple’s Special Officer receives the stock and hands it over to the counters for sale. The irregularity came to light during a vigilance inspection when it was found that the amount due for the packets received had not been remitted to the Devaswom account. The discrepancy relates to sales during the current Mandala season.

There are separate counters for tickets and ghee distribution. Priests from various temples under the Devaswom Board are assigned duty at these counters. Failure to properly record daily details, such as the number of packets filled, issued for sale, sold, and remaining stock, has created opportunities for malpractice. Reports suggest similar irregularities occurred in previous years as well, but were often dismissed as “accounting errors.”

The absence of proper registers from the filling of ghee packets through distribution has enabled repeated irregularities. Even while the vigilance probe is underway, attempts are reportedly being made at the official level to settle the matter quietly.

“Once we received information, we immediately handed the matter over to Vigilance. Let the truth come out. No one will be protected. Action will be taken against those responsible,” said OG Biju, Devaswom Executive Officer.