ED Launches Major Raids in Sabarimala Gold Case: What You Need to Know

Enforcement Directorate's Extensive Raids

On Tuesday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated searches across three states as part of its investigation into the alleged gold loss case linked to Sabarimala in Kerala. Officials confirmed that approximately 21 locations in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are being targeted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The raids focus on properties associated with the primary suspect, Unnikrishnan Potti, located in Bengaluru, as well as former Travancore Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar in Kerala, along with various jewellers.

The ED initiated its PMLA case on January 9, following a series of FIRs filed by the Kerala police.

This case has garnered significant political attention and is currently under investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) supervised by the Kerala High Court.

The inquiry revolves around numerous irregularities, including misconduct by officials, administrative failures, and a conspiracy to misappropriate gold from the Lord Ayyappa shrine's artifacts.

Allegations also include the loss of gold from the gold-clad copper plates of the 'Dwarapalaka' idols and the door frames of the temple's 'Sreekovil' (sanctum sanctorum).

Preliminary findings suggest that sacred gold artifacts were misrepresented as copper plates in official documentation and were unlawfully removed from the temple between 2019 and 2025.

It is alleged that the gold was extracted using chemical processes at private facilities in Chennai and Karnataka, leading to proceeds of crime that were concealed and transferred.

The ongoing searches aim to trace illicit funds, identify beneficiaries, seize incriminating documents and digital evidence, and determine the full scope of the money laundering activities.

The investigation also points to financial irregularities and scams associated with Sabarimala, particularly concerning temple offerings and rituals.