Gold Donation Probe: Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau Questions Union Minister Suresh Gopi in Sabarimala Flag Mast Case

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 23: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has recorded the statement of Union Minister Suresh Gopi as part of its ongoing inquiry into alleged irregularities in the use of gold and funds for the installation of a new flag mast at the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple in 2017.

Gopi is among 27 individuals who had contributed gold and financial support for the project. Officials said his statement was taken in Thiruvananthapuram to verify and document the exact quantity of gold donated by each sponsor. Several prominent personalities from the Malayalam film industry were also among the contributors.

Investigators have already spoken to filmmaker Shaji Kailas, actor-writer Renji Panicker, and producer G. Suresh Kumar. The statement of actor Mohanlal is expected to be recorded shortly. So far, around 20 donors have provided statements, while the remaining contributors will appear before the agency at mutually convenient dates.

The inquiry gained momentum after the Kerala High Court directed the VACB on February 9 to complete its preliminary investigation within 30 days and submit a report.

According to a submission made before the court by the Chief Vigilance Officer of the Travancore Devaswom Board, the Board had resolved in August 2016 that the new flag mast would be installed entirely at the expense of Phoenix Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, Hyderabad. A project estimate of ₹3.20 crore, prepared by the Devaswom Chief Engineer, received approval on September 23, 2016.

Records presented before the court show that 9.161 kilograms of gold were procured from the Customs Department in March 2017, in addition to 412 grams donated by devotees. This brought the total gold available for the project to 9,573.010 grams. However, official accounts indicate that 9,340.200 grams were used for the flag mast.

The High Court also flagged procedural lapses, noting that individual receipts were not issued to donors — a failure it described as a serious breach of financial accountability norms under Devaswom rules.

The probe is being handled by a special investigation team of the VACB. Officials said a formal case will be registered if the High Court orders further action after reviewing the agency’s final report.