ED Launches Fresh Raids in Sabarimala Gold Smuggling Case, Traces Money Trails

Central agencies are tightening their grip on the Sabarimala gold smuggling case, with the Enforcement Directorate leading fresh action. The agency has started intensive searches and financial tracking, parallel to the ongoing crime investigation. Focus is on suspected laundering of money linked to stolen gold, the role of key accused, and any wider political or administrative links.

Enforcement Directorate officials earlier registered a money laundering case connected to the Sabarimala gold smuggling case. The agency has now launched large-scale raids at several locations linked to those suspected of involvement. Investigators aim to trace funds, identify benami assets, and examine whether proceeds of crime were moved across states using formal or informal channels.

Sabarimala gold smuggling case: ED searches and interrogation plans

The ED team reached the houses of CPM leaders A Padmakumar, Vasu and Murari Babu, among others. Searches are being carried out at 21 locations in Kerala and Karnataka. Officials said an Enforcement Case Information Report, similar to a police FIR, has already been registered. This allows full money laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Investigators had earlier looked into dealings between first accused Unnikrishnan Potti, Smart Creations owner Pankaj Bhandari, and Bellary-based gold trader Govardhan. Pankaj Bhandari allegedly helped melt gold plates, while Govardhan reportedly purchased the smuggled gold. The ED is now examining financial trails from these transactions and checking whether unaccounted wealth was parked in properties or bank accounts.

Sabarimala gold smuggling case: focus on assets and ED leadership

The investigation is supervised by ED Kochi unit Additional Director Rakesh Kumar. If officials identify assets that exceed legal income, they plan to initiate attachment proceedings. Questioning will centre on where illegal money came from, how it moved, and where it is stored. All accused named by the Special Investigation Team are expected to face detailed interrogation.

Former Travancore Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar, currently in remand, is among those likely to be questioned further by the ED. Officials believe examining statements already given to the SIT, along with banking records, may expose fresh financial angles. The agency is coordinating with state investigators to avoid overlap and to compare evidence from both probes.

Sabarimala gold smuggling case: SIT inspections at the temple

While the ED tracks funds, the SIT probing the Sabarimala gold heist case has intensified on-ground checks at the shrine. The team visited Sannidhanam for inspections and evidence collection. Their visit came just before the ED’s renewed action. Investigators aim to better understand how alleged conspiracy developed and how gold was moved out from protected structures.

Based on scientific examination reports, the SIT is conducting detailed evidence collection inside and around the sreekovil. Experts from VSSC, who tested the gold plating earlier, will soon be re-examined by the investigators. The team wants clearer explanations on the differences found between the 1998 gold plates and later plating layers applied on temple structures.

Sabarimala gold smuggling case: scientific findings and suspected tampering

Laboratory results have indicated clear differences between the gold layers applied in 1998 and those after subsequent plating. Investigators are trying to understand exactly how tampering took place and at which stage. Questions include whether original layers were removed partially or fully, and how much pure gold might have been diverted during repair or maintenance work.

The SIT collected samples from the gold-plated structures at Sannidhanam on 17 and 18 May last year. These samples came from various parts, including areas less visible to pilgrims. Data from these tests is now central to the probe. Officials say more targeted sampling may follow if current findings raise fresh doubts about additional surfaces.

Sabarimala gold smuggling case: timeline and disputed structures

The High Court has directed that the Sabarimala gold heist investigation must cover all connected areas. This includes the Dwarapalaka sculptures, the Kattilapallicha structure, and the Vaji Vahanam. The court believes scrutiny cannot remain limited to one element. Instead, all related works and movements of gold-plated items from the temple must face review.

The court has suggested that Dwarapalaka sculptures and Kattilappali panels were taken out and stripped of gold. According to the order, investigation must look at decisions and actions during four governments: the two Pinarayi Vijayan ministries, and earlier cabinets led by V.S. Achuthanandan and Oommen Chandy. All related board transactions are to be examined.

Sabarimala gold smuggling case: court directions and board tenures

Judges have also asked investigators to look into the 2017 flag mast reconstruction and the handover of the Vaji Vahanam. These events happened while Prayar Gopalakrishnan served as Travancore Devaswom Board president. The court further instructed that the period when P.S Prashanth was president must also undergo scrutiny for any related decisions or movements.

Another focus area is how and when important gold-coated artefacts left the temple. The Dwarapalaka sculptures and Kattilappali panels were reportedly moved out twice. First, they were taken out in 2019. After repairs, the gold was brought back and then again taken out in 2025. These two movements now lie at the heart of suspicion.

Sabarimala gold smuggling case: bail hearings and new suspects

The Kollam Vigilance Court is hearing a detailed bail plea from main accused Unnikrishnan Potti in the Sabarimala gold heist case. Potti argues that 90 days have passed since arrest in the Dwarapalaka sculpture case, yet no chargesheet has been filed. The court will decide on bail after completing arguments from both prosecution and defence.

Potti’s two earlier bail pleas were rejected by the Vigilance Court. The court is also examining the SIT’s request for custody of former administrative officer S. Sreekumar. In addition, the bail application of former Devaswom Board member and CPM representative Vijayakumar is pending. These hearings could influence the next steps in the wider investigation.

The SIT has informed that five more individuals are under watch in the Sabarimala gold heist case. Three are linked with the Dwarapalaka sculpture case, and two with the Kattilappali case. Officials say existing evidence points towards their involvement. The report indicates more arrests are likely, as the High Court has ordered wider investigation into the gold smuggling angle.