ED Conducts Multi-State Raids in Sabarimala Gold Theft Probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted coordinated raids at 21 locations across Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu on Tuesday in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case, acting on powers under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The searches targeted the residences and premises linked to key suspects, including Unnikrishnan Potti, former Travancore Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar, N Vasu, Murari Babu and associates in Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Aranmula and Chennai, as part of the probe into alleged laundering of proceeds from the alleged misappropriation of gold from temple artefacts. The action follows authorisation in early December from the Enquiry Commissioner and Special Judge, Kollam, permitting the ED to investigate under PMLA. A parallel Special Investigation Team (SIT) continues a state criminal probe under Kerala High Court supervision into alleged irregularities and conspiracy regarding the loss of gold from the Sabarimala shrine’s idols and structures.
