PATHANAMTHITTA (Kerala): The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has announced the appointment of Prasad E.D. as the Melsanthi (chief priest) of Sabarimala Temple and Manu Namboothiri M.G. as the Melsanthi of Malikappuram Temple, following the arrest of Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case.

Potti was taken into custody by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Kerala High Court and has been remanded until October 30.

Traditional draw of lots decides appointments

The selection of the new Melsanthis took place through a traditional draw of lots (narukkueduppu) conducted after the Usha Pooja at the Sannidhanam on the first day of the Malayalam month Thulam.

  • Prasad E.D, appointed Sabarimala Melsanthi, hails from Vasupuram, Mattathurkun, Chalakudy in Thrissur district.
  • Manu Namboothiri M.G, appointed Malikappuram Melsanthi, is a native of Ayiratheng, Kottikkada, Mayyanad in Kollam district.

The draw was supervised by TDB President Adv. P.S. Prasanth, Sabarimala Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan, High Court Observer T.R. Ramachandran Nair, and Devaswom Commissioner B. Sunilkumar.

In a ceremonial touch, a young boy, Kashyap Varma, drew the lot for Sabarimala Melsanthi, while a young girl, Maithili R. Varma, drew the lot for Malikappuram Melsanthi.

Action on gold theft case continues

Following the 2019 Sabarimala gold-plating controversy, the TDB is taking strict action against those involved. Assistant Engineer K Sunil Kumar was suspended for his alleged role in the case. Retired officers linked to the controversy have been issued show-cause notices, with a 10-day timeframe to respond, TDB President Prasanth stated.

“In today’s Board meeting, it was decided to suspend Assistant Engineer K Sunil Kumar, who is under investigation. Retired officers involved will receive show-cause notices and must respond within 10 days. Further action will be taken as per the rules after receiving their explanations,” Prasanth told reporters.

Prasanth also emphasised that the Kerala government and the Devaswom Board are committed to recovering lost property and ensuring that culprits are punished, and regretted protests and attacks on board employees during the ongoing investigations.