Chennai: In a major escalation of the Sabarimala Ayyappan temple gold theft probe, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted coordinated raids
at 21 locations across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. The raids, part of a money laundering investigation, have unearthed sensational allegations about the modus operandi of the theft, which first came to light in 2019.
The Bombshell Allegation: A “Chemical Extraction” Racket
The central agency’s investigation has revealed a sophisticated operation. The ED alleges that the stolen gold, primarily the gold plating from the sacred Dvarapalaka (guardian deity) statues and the sanctum sanctorum doors, was not simply removed but chemically extracted at private facilities.
According to sources, the looted gold was allegedly processed and purified in private establishments located in Chennai and Karnataka before being sold. This method points to a highly organized racket with technical expertise, moving the stolen temple assets across state lines to conceal the crime.
Nationwide Raids Target Key Figures
The ED’s action spanned multiple cities:
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Chennai: Raids at six locations, including two in the Ambattur industrial area.
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Kerala: Searches at the headquarters of the Travancore Devaswom Board in Thiruvananthapuram and the residence of its former chairman, A. Padmakumar.
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Bengaluru: Multiple premises raided in connection with the alleged private facilities used.
The raids are directly linked to the recent arrest of the temple’s chief priest, Kandararu Rajeevaru, marking a significant development in the case that has shocked devotees worldwide.
Background: The 2019 Theft That Shook Devotees
The scandal revolves around the alleged theft of approximately 4 kilograms of gold during renovation work at the globally revered Sabarimala temple in Pathanamthitta, Kerala. The gold plating, which was refurbished and reinstalled, was later found missing, leading to a complaint by the Devaswom Board.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed on the orders of the Kerala High Court. Prior to the priest’s arrest, nine individuals, including former board officials, had been taken into custody.
