Row over missing file at Guruvayur Devaswom Board

THRISSUR: Guruvayur Devaswom Board which is already facing several allegations of corruption and maladministration is now mired in a controversy over missing of files related to the annual financial aid the board gives to orphanages and rescue homes. The missing files was last traced to the office of chief finance and accounts officer, the second highest executive officer in board who has come on deputation from accountant general's office to the Devaswoms on the basis of report filed by S. Krishnan Unni commission which was constituted by High Court in 1993 in view of allegations of rampant corruption in the Devaswom. The missing files contain the details of Rs 25 lakh, the board had given as aid to several rescue homes and orphanages across Kerala last year. According to inside sources, the file is of utmost importance because the contract for supplying food for the aid distribution function held on December 29 last year was allegedly given by overlooking the board guidelines without proper tendering process.