K. V. Jayakumar, J.

This matter pertains to certain irregularities in the conduct of Vazhipadu in Valliyamkavu Devi Temple under the Mundakayam Group of Travancore Devaswom Board.

2. One Arun Das K. has filed a complaint alleging that a retired Kazhakam employee of the Valliyamkavu Devi Temple coming under the Mundakayam Group of Travancore Devaswom Board has indulged in corrupt activities by accepting amounts from the public offering them jobs in the temple.

3. The complaint states that at Valliyamkavu Temple there is a special vazhipadu known as “Vellamkudi” offered to the deity Karimkuttiyan Moorthi. It is alleged that devotees, for the purpose of performing this vazhipadu, bring expensive liquor as part of the offering. According to the complaint, the retired employee who conducts the pooja is said to appropriate a portion of the liquor for himself and sell the remaining quantity for substantial sums. It is further alleged that Sri. Ramanan, also a retired employee, has engaged certain individuals as poojaris on a daily-wage basis and has been collecting large amounts by way of illegal gratification.

4. The matter was forwarded to the Ombudsman. The learned Ombudsman, after a caref