Ezhava community leader Vellappally Natesan from Kerala has claimed that various "secret groups" are allegedly extorting money from wealthy devotees in Devaswom-managed temples across Kerala. He accused Devaswom employees and middlemen of being part of such gangs, asking to end the alleged "mismanagement" of Devaswom Boards. His remarks come amid the missing gold row in the Sabarimala temple.