Vigilance probe launched into missing ghee packets at Sabarimala

The Vigilance wing of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has launched an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the distribution of ghee offerings at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple.

According to official sources, as many as 16,000 packets of ghee, valued at around ₹16 lakh, which were handed over to the distribution counter, are reported to be missing. Acting on an alert raised by Sabarimala executive officer O. G. Biju, the Vigilance wing has initiated a probe.

Confirming the development, a TDB official said the exact value of the missing ghee is yet to be ascertained.

The ghee, labelled as ‘Adiyashishtam Neyy,’ is sold as an offering in 100 ml packets, priced at ₹100 each. The alleged irregularity came to light during a vigilance inspection of records, which revealed that the amount corresponding to the packets received had not been remitted to the TDB account.

The inspection also found that proper records were not being maintained on the number of packets issued for sale and the remaining stock, creating room for such irregularities. There are also allegations that similar lapses were reported on earlier occasions as well, but were often brushed under the carpet as mere accounting errors.