ED raids in Sabarimala gold theft case!

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday carried out extensive searches across Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu in connection with the Sabarimala temple gold theft case. Raids were launched at 21 locations linked to the prime accused Unnikrishnan and former Travancore Devaswom Board chairman A. Padmakumar. The agency is collecting evidence to trace the diversion of temple funds and identify beneficiaries involved in the alleged financial irregularities.

Parallelly, a Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted as per High Court directions, has intensified its probe into the case. The SIT is expected to collect samples soon to test the quality of the gold plating used at the Sabarimala shrine. Kerala Police had earlier registered an FIR alleging irregularities in the renovation of the temple’s gold-plated structures. Based on this, the ED registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Preliminary investigations suggest a large conspiracy involving Devaswom Board officials, middlemen, and jewellers, with records allegedly manipulated by showing copper sheets as gold plating. Authorities have stepped up investigations to uncover the full extent of the scam.