Vigilance Bureau questions Suresh Gopi in Sabarimala temple flag mast case
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Thiruvananthapuram: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has recorded the statement of Union Minister Suresh Gopi in connection with its probe into the alleged misappropriation of gold and money related to the installation of a new temple flag mast at the Sabarimala Temple in 2017, officials said on Monday.
Gopi was among 27 individuals who donated gold and money for the project. According to VACB sources, his statement was recorded in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday as part of efforts to quantify the gold donated by sponsors, including film personalities.
Earlier, the agency recorded statements from filmmaker Shaji Kailas, actor-writer Renji Panicker, and producer Suresh Kumar. The statement of actor Mohanlal will be recorded shortly. So far, statements of around 20 persons have been documented, while the remaining donors will appear on dates convenient to them.
On February 9, the Kerala High Court granted the VACB 30 days to complete the inquiry and submit its report.
A report filed before the High Court by the Chief Vigilance Officer of the Travancore Devaswom Board stated that in August 2016 it was decided that the installation of the new flag mast would be undertaken entirely at the expense of Phoenix Infrastructure Pvt Ltd. An estimate of Rs 3.20 crore submitted by the Devaswom Chief Engineer was approved by the Board on September 23, 2016.
The report further disclosed that 9.161 kilograms of gold were purchased from the Customs Department on March 22, 2017, while devotees contributed an additional 412 grams of gold. Thus, the total quantity of gold available, including Customs purchases and donations, stood at 9,573.010 grams. However, the quantity recorded as utilised for the flag mast was 9,340.200 grams, the High Court observed.
The court also noted that the absence of individual donor receipts deprived contributors of documentary proof of accounting, terming it a serious procedural lapse and a grave violation of Devaswom Rules and financial accountability norms.
The probe is being conducted by a team led by VACB Special Investigation Unit-1 SP C S Hari. Officials added that a case would be registered following directions from the Kerala High Court after completion of the preliminary inquiry and submission of the report.
With PTI inputs
