Travancore Devaswom Board Under Scrutiny Over Elephant Procession Scam

Following the controversial Sabarimala gold sheet scam, the Travancore Devaswom Board is now facing fresh allegations concerning widespread financial irregularities in elephant processions at various temples under its administration. These alleged malpractices, reportedly occurring for years, have now come to light, raising serious questions about the board’s financial transparency and integrity.

Typically, temple festivals feature a single tusked elephant to carry the idol. However, investigations reveal that multiple sponsors often pay for the same elephant’s participation. The funds are allegedly collected separately from each sponsor, who remain unaware of other contributions for the same animal. A similar pattern of fraud is reported by Malayalam Manorama to be prevalent in the case of elephants lined up to greet the main procession.

During festival seasons, events in Vaikom reportedly involve 83 elephants, while Ettumanoor and Thirunakkara utilize at least 58 elephants. The same elephants are often employed from the beginning to the end of these processions. Despite this, sponsors change for each procession, and a substantial lump sum is reportedly collected from these sponsors. In stark contrast, the actual elephant owners are said to receive only a meager amount.

Further compounding the allegations, some elephants owned by the Devaswom Board are “routinely” reported to enter musth during festival periods, an occurrence that has also come under scrutiny.

The elephant processions in temples across Central Kerala were allegedly orchestrated under the leadership of Murari Babu, the former administrator of the Travancore Devaswom Board, who was previously suspended in connection with the Sabarimala gold sheet scam. During festival seasons, Murari Babu frequently served as a ‘Special Officer’.

Murari Babu has held various significant positions within the board, including Administrative Officer in Ettumanoor, Assistant Devaswom Commissioner, Deputy Devaswom Commissioner in Vaikom (which includes Ettumanoor), and Assistant Devaswom Commissioner in Thirunakkara. These roles placed him in a prime position to oversee and potentially influence the operations now under question.