The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Kochi Zonal Office, has conducted search operations at 21 locations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka in connection with the alleged misappropriation of gold and other assets belonging to the Sabarimala Temple.
The searches were carried out on January 20, 2026, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Probe Based on Kerala Crime Branch FIRs
The ED initiated its investigation based on two FIRs registered by the Kerala Police Crime Branch. According to the agency, the case involves a well-planned criminal conspiracy allegedly involving senior officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), former temple administrators, private sponsors, and jewellers.
Alleged Misrepresentation and Removal of Sacred Artefacts
Preliminary findings indicate that several gold-clad sacred artefacts of the Sabarimala Temple, including components of the Dwarapalaka idols, peedams (pedestals), and panels of the sanctum sanctorum door frame, were deliberately misrepresented as “copper plates” in official records.
These artefacts were allegedly removed from the temple premises between 2019 and 2025 without authorisation and transported to private facilities in Chennai and Karnataka, including Smart Creations and Roddam Jewellers.
Extraction of Gold and Proceeds of Crime
The ED stated that gold was extracted from the artefacts through chemical processes, ostensibly under the pretext of repair and replating work. The extracted gold and related assets have been classified as Proceeds of Crime, which were allegedly retained, transferred, and concealed by the accused persons.
Other Financial Irregularities under Examination
The investigation has also uncovered indications of additional financial irregularities at the Sabarimala Temple, including alleged misappropriation linked to temple offerings and rituals. These aspects are also being examined under the PMLA framework.
Seizures, Property Freezing, and Evidence Recovery
During the searches, the ED recovered a large volume of incriminating documents and digital evidence. These include:
- Official records and mahazars prepared by TDB officials allegedly misrepresenting gold artefacts
- Recommendations, orders, and correspondence issued between 2019 and 2024
- Invoices, payment records, and warranty certificates linked to jewellers involved in chemical extraction and replating
- Documents pointing to systemic irregularities in temple offerings, unexplained asset accumulation, and suspicious financial transactions by certain officials
Additionally, the ED froze eight immovable properties belonging to the prime accused, valued at approximately ₹1.3 crore, under Section 17(1A) of the PMLA to prevent dissipation of proceeds of crime. A 100-gram gold bar was also seized from the premises of Smart Creations in Chennai.
All seized materials are currently being analysed to quantify the exact proceeds of crime, establish the money-laundering trail, and identify additional beneficiaries. The ED stated that further investigation is ongoing.
Source: ED Press Release dated 21/01/2026