The Kerala High Court has constituted a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate alleged irregularities in the procurement and supply of Milma ghee to the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple. The court-monitored probe relates to allegations that the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) suffered a financial loss of nearly ₹3 crore due to procurement decisions and possible procedural violations.
The investigation will be carried out by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB), with the court directing that the probe be conducted independently and transparently.
Six-Member SIT Constituted
A Bench of the Kerala High Court directed the formation of a six-member SIT headed by VACB Superintendent of Police M.J. Sojan, who is already handling another investigation relating to alleged irregularities involving Adiya Sishtam Ghee at Sabarimala. The court said appointing an experienced officer would help ensure a comprehensive and impartial investigation.
What Is the Alleged Scam?
The probe centres on the procurement of approximately 1.65 lakh litres of Milma ghee for use during the 2025–26 Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.
According to allegations under investigation:
- The Travancore Devaswom Board allegedly bypassed the e-tender process.
- Milma ghee was purchased at around ₹510 per litre.
- A private bidder had reportedly offered to supply ghee at approximately ₹372 per litre.
- The decision is alleged to have caused a financial loss of nearly ₹3 crore to the temple administration.
Quality and Supply Under Scanner
Apart from the pricing issue, investigators will also examine:
- Alleged discrepancies in the quantity of ghee supplied.
- Claims regarding the quality of the ghee delivered.
- Whether procurement procedures complied with applicable rules.
- The decision-making process followed by officials involved in the purchase.
Authorities have also announced measures such as batch-wise quality testing and digital tracking of the ghee supply chain to strengthen oversight in future procurement.
Possible FIR and Investigation
According to reports, the Vigilance Department is expected to register an FIR before the Vigilance Court as part of the criminal investigation.
Media reports also indicate that former members of the previous Travancore Devaswom Board administration could face scrutiny if evidence of wrongdoing emerges during the investigation. However, the investigation is at an early stage, and no court has determined criminal liability.
Separate From Earlier Ghee Misappropriation Case
The High Court clarified that this procurement investigation is distinct from the earlier Adiya Sishtam Ghee misappropriation case.
That earlier case concerns allegations involving the disappearance and illegal sale of thousands of ghee packets offered as prasadam, resulting in losses estimated at around ₹30–35 lakh. The same vigilance officer is overseeing both investigations, but they relate to different sets of allegations.
What Happens Next?
The SIT will now examine procurement records, tender documents, quality reports, pricing decisions, and statements from officials connected with the purchase of Milma ghee.
Based on its findings, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau will determine whether criminal offences were committed and whether charges should be filed. The Kerala High Court is expected to continue monitoring the progress of the investigation to ensure accountability and transparency.
