BJP Demands CBI Probe in Sabarimala Gold Case

The BJP has intensified its campaign over issues related to Sabarimala, with Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar urging Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan to order a CBI probe into the alleged disappearance of gold from the hill shrine and withdraw criminal cases against Ayyappa devotees linked to the Sabarimala protests.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, Chandrasekhar said the matter holds great significance for millions of Ayyappa devotees in Kerala and across the world. He called for immediate government intervention to restore the confidence of devotees.

Referring to the controversies surrounding Sabarimala in recent years, the BJP leader said the developments that began in 2018 had affected the sentiments of devotees. He added that reports of alleged gold loss from the temple in 2025 had further raised concerns over the security and management of temple assets.

Chandrasekhar said the BJP had repeatedly raised these issues during the previous government’s tenure and urged the current administration to take fair and decisive action.

The BJP leader placed two major demands before the government — recommending a CBI investigation into the allegations related to the missing gold and ensuring transparency and accountability in the protection of temple assets.

He also demanded the unconditional withdrawal of cases registered against devotees who participated in protests over the protection of Sabarimala’s traditional customs.

Chandrasekhar said the government has a responsibility to protect the faith, rights and traditions associated with the shrine. He warned that if satisfactory action was not taken, the BJP would launch a statewide peaceful mass agitation.

The letter comes amid the BJP’s renewed focus on the Sabarimala issue, with the party raising concerns over temple administration and cases registered during the 2018 agitation.