ED raids at 21 locations in Sabarimala gold theft probe

The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday carried out searches at 21 locations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka as part of its probe into alleged money laundering linked to the Sabarimala gold theft case. The raids underscored the widening scope of the investigation and targeted premises connected to the case, including the headquarters of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and homes linked to some of the accused arrested so far.

The searches included the residence of Murari Babu, the former administrative officer of the Travancore Devaswom Board, in Kottayam, as well as premises associated with accused individuals such as businessman Unnikrishnan Potty and former TDB chief A Padmakumar. Officials said the operation aimed to probe the proceeds of crime and possible money laundering conspiracies in the Sabarimala gold theft saga.

The case centers on the alleged misappropriation of gold from the door frames of the sanctum and the plates covering the dwarapalaka (guardian idols) of the temple. It is being investigated by a special investigation team (SIT) of the Kerala police on the orders of the state high court. At least 11 people have been arrested so far in two cases registered by the SIT. The ED has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in the matter after obtaining court permission in Kollam.

TDB president K Jayakumar welcomed the ED probe and said officials had informed the board about the searches. He added that the board is cooperating, while emphasising that it is not appropriate to comment further while the case remains under judicial scrutiny. The scale of the operation signals the seriousness with which authorities are treating the alleged misappropriation of temple gold and the broader money laundering dimensions involved.

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