Theft at Kowdiar Palace baffles police; Only one locker section targeted, visitors under scrutiny

Thiruvananthapuram: The theft of jewellery worth crores from the heavily guarded Kowdiar Palace, which is equipped with CCTV surveillance and security personnel, has left the police puzzled. Investigators suspect that someone with knowledge of the palace entered the bedroom of Aswathi Thirunal on the second floor and stole jewellery from the locker inside an iron cupboard.

Interestingly, only the jewellery kept in one section of the locker inside the cupboard was stolen. Ornaments stored in another compartment of the same cupboard remained untouched. Police also suspect that such a large quantity of jewellery may have been stolen over several occasions rather than in a single incident.

Four families currently reside within the palace complex.

There are more than 40 employees working at Kowdiar Palace, and the police plan to question all of them. However, the palace authorities have requested that the employees should not be detained or harassed during the investigation.

Apart from the staff, the police will also monitor visitors who came to the palace during the period in question. Several YouTubers and others had visited the palace for filming and other purposes during that time. Officials from Peroorkada police station said they would question them as well.

Aswathi Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi stated that while the theft of jewellery has been confirmed, she has nothing further to comment on at this stage.

According to the FIR filed by Peroorkada police, 12 types of jewellery were stolen, including the Pichi Pummott design gold anklets, Naga Padam earrings, and a necklace. 

A challenge for the police

Several months have passed since the theft at Kowdiar Palace, making it difficult for the police to collect scientific evidence, including forensic material. Gathering information and conducting questioning will therefore pose a significant challenge.

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The FIR states that the theft took place between October and November last year. As part of the investigation, police will have to collect details of everyone who visited the palace during those months, which is proving to be a major task.

If any visitors are currently abroad, investigators plan to contact them by phone to obtain information. After the initial phase of questioning and information gathering, the police will prepare a list of individuals who may require further interrogation.

Preliminary assessments suggest that it would be difficult for an outsider to enter the highly secure palace without assistance. Police will therefore examine the palace’s CCTV footage and security arrangements in detail.

Special team for investigation

A special team will be formed to investigate the theft at Kowdiar Palace. At present, the case is being handled by the Peroorkada police. After gathering preliminary information, the case will be handed over to the special investigation team.

The decision to form a special team was taken due to the theft of ancient gold ornaments and the loss of jewellery worth crores.

In the coming days, the police will record statements, gather further information, conduct fingerprint examinations, and analyse CCTV footage. Investigators are treating the theft from such a highly secure location with utmost seriousness.

An Assistant Commissioner will lead the special investigation team, and the case is expected to be handed over to the team by this week.