TDB Employee Arrested in Sabarimala Ghee Scam, Rs 13.67 Lakh Missing
In a significant development, the Pathanamthitta Vigilance unit has made an arrest in connection with a major misappropriation case involving the sale of 'Aadiya sishtam neyyu' at the renowned Sabarimala temple. The arrested individual, identified as Sunil Kumar Potti, is an employee of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), serving in the capacity of a Keezhshanthi. This arrest follows a thorough investigation that uncovered substantial financial irregularities in the ghee sales operations at the pilgrimage site.
Details of the Misappropriation Case
The case came to light during a prior vigilance inspection conducted by the devaswom authorities, which revealed alarming malpractices in the sale of ghee. Preliminary investigations have established that a significant amount of money from the sale of ghee packets did not reach the devaswom's official account. Specifically, it was found that the proceeds from the sale of 16,628 packets of ghee were unaccounted for, pointing to a systematic fraud.
Devotees visiting Sabarimala were charged Rs 100 for each 100ml packet of ghee, a standard offering at the temple. Between November 17 and December 26, 2025, the contractor responsible for packing the ghee supplied a total of 3,52,202 packets for sale. However, the records indicated a glaring discrepancy, with 13,679 packets having no corresponding sales documentation. This oversight has led to a missing amount of over Rs 13.67 lakh, which should have been duly credited to the devaswom account.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Sunil Kumar Potti was arrested by the Pathanamthitta Vigilance on Wednesday, marking a crucial step in the ongoing probe. Authorities have indicated that more arrests are likely in the coming days as the investigation deepens and uncovers further links in the alleged scam. Potti is scheduled to be presented before the Kollam vigilance court, where legal proceedings will commence to address the charges of misappropriation and corruption.
The arrest underscores the vigilance department's commitment to tackling corruption within temple administration and ensuring transparency in financial dealings. This case has sent shockwaves through the devaswom board and the broader community, highlighting the need for stricter oversight and accountability in the management of temple resources.
