Sabarimala: Mega Scam in Auction of Shops

A massive scam has been unearthed in the auction held by Devaswom Board, granting rights to set up shops, during pilgrimage season. According to sources, the ‘E-Tenders’, launched to facilitate smooth auction process are being incapacitated by Devaswom Board officials. The system of ‘E-Tender’ was implemented in Sabarimala two years ago.

Sources have stated that persons who had given more amount to spaces, including shops have been sidelined and handed over to those of their preferences, after a well planned plot. The Vigilance Commission had earlier put forth regulations stating that such activities should not encroach into the system of ‘E-Tender’. The alleged scam is said to have taken place overlooking these directives.

According to the rule, shop space was to be granted to those who sought business via ‘E-Tender’. But following the unearthing of the scam, it was revealed that space has been granted to those who have been setting up shops every year, on a regular basis. Those who applied via tender received only half the entire shop space. It is suspected that many of the old timers are benamis of Devaswom Board officials themselves or their relatives.

‘E-Tenders’ opened in Sabarimala in September, between 10th and 25th. The usual practice is to make public, the money collected from various tenders and thereafter grant permission from those outside, to set up shops. The rights to collect dried coconut from the temple have been entrusted to a company, which is allegedly associated to the brother of a Devaswom Board member.