Kerala, 20 ജനുവരി (H.S.)

Thiruvananthapuram/Pathanamthitta: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into the theft of gold plating (Swarnapali) from the Sabarimala Sannidhanam. Starting Tuesday morning, the ED launched simultaneous raids at 21 locations across three states, including the residences of the main accused and the Devaswom Board headquarters. The primary objective of these raids is to uncover money laundering activities and benami properties linked to the heist.

Extensive Raids at the Residences of the Accused

A major inspection is being conducted at the Karatte residence of the first accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, in Thiruvananthapuram. Additionally, ED officials are carrying out evidence collection at the houses of former Devaswom Board President A. Padmakumar in Aranmula and former President N. Vasu. Inspections are also underway at the residence of Govardhan, a gold merchant from Bellary who was previously arrested in connection with the case, and the office of 'Smart Creations' in Bengaluru.

ED Widens the Scope of Investigation

The ED initiated these decisive moves shortly after registering an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR). The agency has already collected bank account details and financial transaction records of the accused and their close relatives. The ED also aims to seize crucial documents related to the gold plating from the Travancore Devaswom Board headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. Officers from the Kochi and Kozhikode units are joined by officials from Bengaluru and Chennai for the operation.

Interstate Connections

Investigating agencies suspect that the Sabarimala gold theft has extensive interstate links. The ongoing inspections in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu reinforce the suspicion that the stolen gold plating was melted and smuggled, with the proceeds being invested under benami names. These preliminary raids are part of the legal process to freeze and eventually confiscate the assets of the accused.

Parallel Investigations by SIT and ED

The ED’s sudden intervention comes at a time when the State Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) was scheduled to conduct a detailed inspection at the Sannidhanam. Various organizations, including the Tantri Samajam, had earlier criticized the state government's probe as inefficient and demanded a CBI inquiry. In this context, the entry of a central agency like the ED to investigate financial irregularities is seen as a significant development.

The absence of several high-ranking Devaswom Board officials at the office during the initial hours of the raid caused some delays. However, the ED team remains firm on their stance not to leave without verifying the necessary documents. Indications suggest that more high-profile individuals may fall into the ED's net in the coming days. The manipulation of the sacred gold collection at Sabarimala, revered by millions of devotees, has deeply shocked the community.

Would you like me to find any further updates on the legal proceedings or statements from the Devaswom Board regarding these raids?

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Hindusthan Samachar / Roshith K