T’puram: Devaswom minister K Muraleedharan has backed Travancore Devaswom Board’s (TDB) decision to cancel the e-auction of shops at Sabarimala for the upcoming Mandala pilgrimage season following the alleged loss of confidentiality in the tender process.The e-auction, scheduled for Tuesday, was cancelled after details of bidders for individual shops were reportedly leaked while the tender process was underway. TDB said proceeding with the auction after the disclosure would undermine the fairness and effectiveness of the process.The devaswom vigilance and chief security officer will conduct an inquiry into the breach of confidentiality, Muraleedharan said. The officer has been directed to submit a report within three days. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible, the minister said.The board has decided to invite fresh tenders for all 110 shops. The remaining procedures will be completed before Oct 15 to ensure that there is no disruption or uncertainty ahead of the pilgrimage season, Muraleedharan said.
