Kerala HC forms SIT to probe irregularities in 1.65 lakh litres of Sabarimala ghee
The Kerala High Court has constituted a Special Investigation Team to probe alleged irregularities in the procurement and supply of 1.65 lakh litres of Milma
The Kerala High Court has constituted a Special Investigation Team to probe alleged irregularities in the procurement and supply of 1.65 lakh litres of Milma ghee for Sabarimala, including conflicting claims over the quantity delivered, quality checks and possible adulteration. The Devaswom Bench, comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and KV Jayakumar, approved the team proposed by the state government. SP MJ Sojan will head the SIT, while Vigilance Deputy SP CH Hari will serve as the investigating officer. Four inspectors will also be part of the team. Read Full Story The court had earlier noted that the procurement went ahead despite objections raised by the Devaswom Commissioner. It also questioned how 1.65 lakh litres of ghee could have been purchased without adequate inspection and prior verification of its quality. The Bench had said an SP-rank officer was not necessarily required to conduct the probe and that a competent Deputy SP-rank officer could also be entrusted with the investigation. MINISTER CALLS LAPSES ‘CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE’ Before the High Court constituted the SIT, Kerala Devaswoms Minister K Muraleedharan had announced that the alleged irregularities would be investigated by the Crime Branch. Muraleedharan alleged that the ghee supplied to Sabarimala may have been adulterated and described the suspected lapses as “criminal negligence”, warning that those responsible would face legal action.
“The investigation should be completed in a time-bound manner, and those responsible should be brought to justice,” he said. According to the minister, the Travancore Devaswom Board entered into an agreement with Milma to supply 1.65 lakh litres of ghee during the 2025-26 pilgrimage season. He claimed that only 1.5 lakh litres were delivered, contradicting Milma’s assertion that the entire quantity was supplied. The minister said the ghee arrived at Sabarimala in 30 batches of 5,000 litres each, but only six batches were tested. All six were allegedly found to be substandard. “This is not merely a case of food adulteration. It amounts to deceiving, exploiting and betraying the faith of devotees,” Muraleedharan said. He said the investigation must also determine whether the suspected irregularities occurred before the ghee reached Sabarimala or after it arrived at the temple. MILMA DENIES ANY ROLE IN ALLEGED IRREGULARITIES Milma chairman KS Mani rejected allegations of malpractice by the state-run dairy cooperative, maintaining that the ghee was supplied in accordance with the order issued for the previous Makaravilakku season. Mani said Milma was initially informed that a fresh tender process was underway, but the tender was later cancelled and the cooperative was directed to supply the required quantity.
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