Sabarimala gold theft probe intensifies: 2019 TDB members, including ex-President Padmakumar, accused

Thiruvananthapuram: Former Travancore Devaswom Board members of 2019, including then-president A Padmakumar, have been named as accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case. So far, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has registered two FIRs.

The first FIR pertains to the theft of gold panels from the Dwarapalaka sculpture, while the second concerns the theft of the shrine’s door panels. The former board members have now been included as accused in the second FIR. The incidents occurred in March and July 2019, respectively, resulting in two separate FIRs.

According to the FIRs, the board members’ actions contributed to the loss of property at Sabarimala. The SIT is currently in Chennai, conducting inspections at Smart Creations, where Unnikrishnan Potti had stated that the Dwarapalaka sculptures and doors were gold-plated. Evidence collected from the facility is expected to be crucial in determining whether the original Dwarapalaka panels were returned.

At the time the panels were removed, the accused held positions including Devaswom Secretary, Thiruvabharanam Commissioner, Executive Officer and Administrative Officer, and they had signed the relevant orders and mahasars. Sections covering corruption, robbery, conspiracy, and breach of trust have been applied.

Officials from Smart Creations in Chennai who carried out the gold plating have not been charged. Managing Director Pankaj Bhandari told Devaswom Vigilance that the gold in the panels was melted.