Kochi

Actor Jayaram, who appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday for questioning in connection with the alleged misappropriation of gold from Sabarimala, said that everyone involved in the case should be brought to justice, asserting that Lord Ayyappa would not forgive the culprits.

The ED had earlier issued a summons to the actor as part of its money-laundering probe linked to the alleged diversion of gold from the famed hill shrine.

Speaking to reporters outside the ED office here, Jayaram said that although there are thousands of temples across the country, Sabarimala occupies a unique place in the hearts of people as it welcomes devotees irrespective of caste or religion.

“If any kind of scam has happened there, it must come out. Those responsible should be caught, and every Malayali has a duty to help uncover the truth. I am also fulfilling that responsibility,” he said.

The actor explained that over the past several decades, he has been invited to various temples for pujas and religious ceremonies, and he attends such events whenever possible.

“That is how I was invited for a puja connected with the Sabarimala artefacts. I had been called for such pujas by them on several occasions. Whether there was any irregularity behind it is now being examined by the court and the investigating agencies,” he said.

Jayaram added that if the ED was able to obtain any useful information from him, it would help in establishing the truth.

“That is why I have been summoned. If there are others involved, they too should be caught. Lord Ayyappa will not spare anyone who has done wrong,” he said.

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Last month, the actor was also questioned by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols and the door frames of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) at the shrine.