ED seizes gold, assets worth ₹1.3 crore in massive Sabarimala temple theft case

New Delhi: In a significant development in the Sabarimala temple gold theft case spanning 2019 to 2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted multiple raids across southern India, seizing assets worth approximately ₹1.3 crore and confiscating a gold chain linked to the crime.

The central investigative agency revealed on Wednesday that it has uncovered extensive documentary and digital evidence detailing how sacred gold artifacts—including gold-plated statues of temple gatekeepers, ceremonial seats, and doors of the sanctum sanctorum—were systematically stolen from the temple.

To prevent the laundering of proceeds from crime, the ED has attached eight immovable properties owned by key accused, valued at around ₹1.3 crore, under Section 17(1A) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. “We have also recovered a 100-gram gold chain from Smart Creations in Chennai, which had received stolen temple gold,” officials stated.

The raids were carried out across 21 locations in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka on Tuesday, targeting individuals suspected of facilitating or benefiting from the misappropriation of Sabarimala temple gold and other sacred assets.

The ED initiated its probe based on two FIRs filed by the Kerala Police Crime Branch, which highlighted irregularities involving senior officers of the Tiruvananthapuram Devaswom Board (TDB), former temple administrators, private sponsors, and jewellers. The investigation has now exposed a well-organized criminal network behind the thefts.

Authorities emphasized that the operation aims to recover stolen temple assets and ensure accountability for those involved in the illegal exploitation of religious property. “This is a structured effort to trace the stolen gold, freeze illicitly acquired assets, and bring the accused to justice,” an ED spokesperson said.

The Sabarimala temple, renowned for its centuries-old religious significance, has been the focus of heightened scrutiny after repeated incidents of theft came to light. With the ED’s decisive action, investigators hope to deter further criminal activity and safeguard sacred artifacts from misuse.

The agency continues its inquiry, coordinating with state police departments and temple authorities, to identify all beneficiaries of the stolen assets and to strengthen mechanisms to prevent future misappropriation of temple property.

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