A ‘pathakkam,’ a navaratna-studded golden pendant, part of the ‘Thiruvabharanam,, the sacred ornaments used to decorate the presiding deity of Sri Krishna Temple at Ambalappuzha, was reported missing on Thursday.
The ornament was said to be missing since the Vishu festival which was celebrated last week.
The Travancore Devaswom Board, which administers the temple, ordered a probe by the vigilance wing of the board. Ratheesh Krishnan, Superintendent of Police, Devaswom Vigilance, has been asked to submit a report, board president Prayar Gopalakrishnan, who visited the temple on Thursday, told The Hindu .
Devotees have reported to have seen the ‘pathakkam’ during the annual festival a month ago.
Mr. Gopalakrishnan, who expressed his dissatisfaction at the delayed response by those concerned in informing the authorities about the missing of the ornament, said the board would submit a letter to the government seeking a Crime Branch probe.
Earlier instance
A golden accessory fitted atop an umbrella, part of the accoutrements used during the festival procession, was reported missing from the temple more than one-and-half decade ago. Though investigations were launched to trace the valuable object, it could not be recovered.
