The audit reveals that the TDB had advanced Rs 3 crore with the expectation that the amount would be reimbursed through corporate sponsorships. However, there is currently no evidence or clarity regarding whether the projected sponsorship funds were ever fully realized. Furthermore, the report points to a severe lack of transparency, stating that the official decision to conduct the meet was not even recorded in the Devaswom Board’s minutes. The event was organized during the tenure of former TDB President P.S. Prasanth.
The High Court had previously issued a strict mandate that the board’s surplus funds should remain untouched for such events. Defying this, the board reportedly drew Rs 3.4 crore from its reserves. Sources suggest that this financial discrepancy may now be integrated into the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, which is already looking into other administrative irregularities within the board. The Vigilance department is expected to coordinate with the SIT to examine the files related to this fund diversion. (TNIE)
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