SIT raid at former TDB chief Padmakumar’s Aranmula residence

Pathanamthitta: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is conducting a search at the residence of former Travancore Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar, who was arrested in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case. The search, underway at his home in Aranmula, has continued for more than three hours. Similar searches have been carried out at the homes of other accused previously arrested in the case.

The SIT team from Thiruvananthapuram arrived at Padmakumar’s residence around noon on Friday. A seven-member team, led by a circle inspector, reached the location in two vehicles. Investigators are examining whether Padmakumar kept any temple-related documents at his home during his tenure as board president.

Padmakumar’s arrest was formally recorded on Thursday evening. After his arrest, he was taken before the Kollam Vigilance Judge for remand and was later transferred to the Thiruvananthapuram Special Sub-Jail.

According to details in the remand report, Padmakumar allegedly initiated the gold theft by falsifying minutes of a board meeting. The report states that he provided full support to co-accused Unnikrishnan Potti and committed serious lapses in the discharge of his official duties.