Sabarimala gold theft case: ED conducts raids at 21 locations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka

Thiruvananthapuram (The Uttam Hindu): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday intensified its probe into the alleged money laundering angle linked to the Sabarimala gold theft case. As part of the investigation, simultaneous raids were conducted at 21 locations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. So far, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested 13 accused in the case, all of whom are currently in judicial custody.

The ED action comes at a time when a Special Investigation Team, functioning under the supervision of the Kerala High Court, is carrying out a parallel criminal investigation into the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Sabarimala temple. ED searches were carried out at the residences of key accused, including first accused Unnikrishnan Potti, CPI(M) leader Murari Babu, A Padmakumar and N Vasu.

Raids were also conducted at premises linked to Bellary-based gold trader Govardhan and Chennai-based Smart Creations CEO Pankaj Bhandari, who are accused of assisting in melting and disposing of the stolen gold plates.

Search operations were initiated at the Travancore Devaswom Board headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram as well. Reports suggest that ED teams also searched Unnikrishnan Potti’s houses at Kilimanoor near Thiruvananthapuram and Srirampura in Bengaluru, Murari Babu’s residence in Kottayam, N Vasu’s house in Pettah, and A Padmakumar’s residence in Aranmula.

According to ED sources, no searches have been carried out so far at the residence of tantric Kantarar Rajeev. The ED has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), similar to a police FIR, to investigate the alleged laundering of proceeds of crime. Investigators are examining the source of funds, financial transactions and possible concealment of assets. Officials said that attachment proceedings may follow if disproportionate assets are found.

The investigation is being supervised by ED’s Kochi unit Additional Director Rakesh Kumar. Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court on Tuesday directed the SIT to conduct inspections inside the Sabarimala temple to uncover the conspiracy and modus operandi behind the alleged gold theft. Evidence is being collected from within and around the temple using scientific methods.