No action yet over Sri Muthappan Temple graft report

KANNUR: The Malabar Devaswom Board (MDB) is yet to act on a four-month-old enquiry report that found serious irregularities at Parassinikadavu Sri Muthappan Temple. The report by MDB deputy commissioner, now commissioner in-charge, Murali K, says the "chaotic and anarchic" temple administration (trustee) was indulging in financial misappropriations in prasadam and tea distribution and was not keeping any records. There were also serious irregularities in curd purchase.

MDB authorities are yet to discuss the report at its meeting. The inquiry was conducted after a complaint filed by assistant trustee P.A. Gangadharan who is also the provate assistant to the trustee of the Temple. Audits in 2012 and 2013 had also found misappropriations in printing receipt books, stock register and non-transparency in tea, prasadam and nirmalyam distribution.  The report says special officer appointed by the MDB has not been given any facility for discharging his duties effectively and dedicated assistant superintendents appointed for prasadam and tea distribution were not doing their duties.

“There are many serious misappropriations which found in the enquiry. But the Board is yet to table it for discussion in the meeting,” said Mr Murali K. Parassinikadavu Sri Muthappan Seva Sangham secretary O. V. Premkumar alleged that the administration was also reluctant to implement the court order directing to seal the bhandaras and keep a proper stock of revenue. MDB president Sajjeev Maroli said the Board would direct the commissioner to take appropriate action at the next board meeting. “We had conducted a sitting in the temple, and further action will be taken soon,” he told DC.