The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday carried out searches at 21 locations across three states in connection with a money laundering probe linked
to the alleged theft of gold and other temple assets related to the Sabarimala Temple. Officials said the ED probe is not limited to “systematic” and “organised” gold theft that allegedly continued for years, but also covers the “misappropriation of other temple assets” at Sabarimala. The ED probe has indicated possible “financial irregularities and scams” at Sabarimala, including misappropriation related to temple offerings and rituals, which are also being examined under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) framework. The anti–money laundering agency’s case stems from a series of FIRs filed by the Kerala Crime Branch. Investigations have revealed an alleged conspiracy and collusion at different levels over a prolonged period. “A deep-rooted criminal conspiracy involving officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board, private individuals, intermediaries, and jewellers,” the ED said on Tuesday. The ED registered a money laundering case in the gold theft and smuggling matter on January 9 after obtaining court approval. The probe has revealed some shocking details. “Gold-clad sacred artefacts were deliberately misrepresented as ‘copper plates’ in official records and unlawfully removed from the temple premises during the period 2019–2025,” the ED said. The gold was allegedly extracted through chemical processes at private facilities in Chennai and Karnataka, generating proceeds of crime that were retained, transferred, and concealed. The searches were conducted to trace the proceeds of crime, identify beneficiaries, seize documents and digital evidence, and ascertain the full extent of money laundering involved. However, the probe agency collected documents and police records only after obtaining the requisite permission from the courts, said ED Sources said the gold theft first came to light in 2019, but the pilferage may have been going on for over two decades. “In 2019, idols weighing 42.8 kg were taken out for repairs. When they were returned, the weight was found to be only 38.2 kg, indicating that around 4.5 kg of gold had been ‘shaved off’ or was missing,” sources said. The probe has revealed that idols of the guardian deities and certain parts of the temple were sent out for repairs and re-gold plating and were handed over to a private firm based in Chennai. However, when the idols were returned, their weight had reduced. The accused attributed this to “wear and tear,” and the matter was subsequently brushed aside.
