ED Conducts Raids in Gold Smuggling Case Linked to Sabarimala Temple
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated extensive raids across Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu as part of its investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft case. The operation targets various locations linked to key individuals and aims to uncover the extent of money laundering activities associated with the temple's assets. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is also involved, measuring gold quantities within the temple's sanctum. This politically sensitive case has revealed a complex web of criminal conspiracy involving officials and private entities, raising significant concerns about the management of temple resources. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
| Jan 20, 2026, 16:01 IST
ED Launches Investigative Raids Across Three States
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated a series of raids on Tuesday as part of its investigation into money laundering related to the Sabarimala gold theft case. Operations were conducted at approximately 21 locations across Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). These searches are focused on the misuse of gold and other temple assets associated with the Sabarimala temple.
Key Locations Targeted in the Raids
Among the sites searched are premises linked to Unnikrishnan Potty in Bengaluru and former president of the Travancore Devaswom Board, A Padmakumar. Concurrently, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrived at the sanctum sanctorum of the Sabarimala temple to measure the quantity of gold sheets and collect samples, with permission from the High Court. The purpose of these searches is to trace the proceeds of crime, identify beneficiaries, seize incriminating documents and digital evidence, and uncover the full extent of money laundering activities.
ED Registers PMLA Case Following FIR
Recently, the ED took cognizance of an FIR filed by the Kerala police and registered a PMLA case. This politically sensitive investigation is being overseen by the Kerala High Court and conducted by the state's Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Investigation into Various Irregularities
The inquiry pertains to several irregularities, including official misconduct, administrative lapses, and a criminal conspiracy to embezzle gold from various artifacts of the Lord Ayyappa temple. The SIT's investigation focuses on the theft of gold-plated copper plates from the guardian deity statues and the doors of the temple's sanctum sanctorum.
Background of the Sabarimala Gold Theft Case
According to the ED, the investigation was initiated based on multiple FIRs filed by the Kerala Crime Branch, which revealed a deep-rooted criminal conspiracy involving officials from the Travancore Devaswom Board, private individuals, middlemen, and jewelers. Preliminary findings indicate that between 2019 and 2025, sacred artifacts adorned with gold were deliberately misrepresented as copper plates and unlawfully removed from the temple premises. Allegations suggest that gold was extracted through chemical processes at private facilities in Chennai and Karnataka, generating illicit proceeds that were concealed, transferred, and hidden.