Alappuzha: A veteran sculptor in Kerala, Mahesh Panikkar, has claimed that the probe into the Sabarimala gold controversy may expose a massive and highly lucrative racket, which has been going on secretly for a long time.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Panikkar claimed that the gold embedded in the temple’s Dwarapalaka (door guardian) idols and other sacred parts could have been sold for sums far exceeding their mere metal value, possibly reaching as high as Rs 100 crore.

As per reports, Panikkar is connected to the artisan family that originally created the idol at Sabarimala.

“Following the High Court order, it is clear that a huge theft has occurred. The real worth is in the divine energy of Sabarimala, not just the gold. Selling the idols with their sacred copper sheets intact in

See Full Page