The Enforcement Directorate began a marathon search operation, carrying out simultaneous raids at 21 locations spread across Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, on Tuesday morning. The coordinated action marks a new phase in the investigation and has drawn wide attention across the region.
As part of the operation, the ED’s special team searched the residences of several accused in the case, including Unnikrishnan Potty, Minister Kandararu Rajeevaru, A Padmakumar and Murari Babu, among others. Searches are also underway at the headquarters of the Travancore Devaswom Board, underscoring the expanding scope of the probe into the alleged theft of gold from the Sabarimala temple.
ED searches across three states
Allegations of misuse arose regarding the gold of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, marking the first such marathon operation by the central agency in this case. The ED recently registered a PMLA case based on an FIR filed by the Kerala Police.
On Tuesday, searches were conducted at multiple locations in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu under the leadership of officials who arrived from Delhi. The list includes a jewellery shop in Bengaluru owned by the accused Govardhan. Investigators have also raided several properties linked to the main accused, Unnikrishnan Potty.
Arrests, gold discrepancy and money laundering angle
On January 9, head priest Kandararu Rajeevaru was arrested for his alleged involvement in the Sabarimala temple gold theft case. His arrest followed statements given by the main accused, Unnikrishnan Potty and former Travancore Devaswom Board president Padmakumar. The SIT investigation revealed that Rajeevaru had close ties with Unnikrishnan Potty and had recommended gold plating on the temple’s doorkeeper and the plates of the Sreekovil door frame.
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According to media reports, in July 2019, the doorkeeper statue and the gold covering of the temple door were removed for repairs. At that time, the total weight of gold was recorded at 42.8 kg. Later, it was found that the gold weighed 38 kg 258 grams, triggering an uproar. Following this, the court ordered an investigation into the matter.
The probe subsequently brought to light allegations of money laundering, which are now being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate.
