The sliver palanquin has been used for taking out the main deity during festival possessions. When last inspected in 1954, it had 11 kg of silver on it. “But a recent inspection revealed it had only 8.5 kg silver. Nearly 2.5 kg silver has mysteriously vanished,” said an HR&CE official.

Silver sheets stuck in many parts of the palanquin has been ripped off, leaving the wooden skeleton exposed.

Though officials are supposed to inspect valuables at HR&CE-managed temples periodically, such was not the case with Ekambaranathar temple, devotees had alleged.

In 2018 and 2019, the idol wing investigators had initiated legal actions against senior HR&CE officials, temple priests and chief stapathi in connection with the alleged misappropriation of gold during the consecration of the new Somaskandar idol. A report is expected to be submitted to the commissioner of HR&CE once the team finishes the audit which started on October 23.