Pathanamthitta: The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has formally recommended that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) take over the inquiry into the theft of gold from the doors, frames, and Dwarapalaka sculptures of the Sabarimala Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum).

The IB’s recommendation highlights the necessity of a CBI-led investigation to uncover the full extent of the crime, citing significant inter-state and international connections. This report has been submitted by the state division to the Director General of Intelligence.

Legal and Inter-Agency Coordination

Currently, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is handling the case under the supervision of the High Court. It is understood that the State Police Chief will now submit the IB’s findings to the High Court for further consideration.

Beyond the criminal theft, the IB has proposed an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), suspecting that the case involves substantial money laundering.

The ED’s involvement has faced initial procedural hurdles:

Ranni Court: Initially denied the ED’s request for case files.

High Court: Directed the ED to approach the Vigilance Court.

Kollam Vigilance Court: Recently granted an order to transfer the case details to the ED.

Upon receiving these files, the ED is expected to register a formal case focusing on the financial transactions linked to the heist.

Scale of Theft "Significant," Says SIT

Kollam: In a report submitted to the Kollam Vigilance Court, the SIT described the scale of the Sabarimala gold theft as "major." The disclosure was made while the team sought joint custody of three key figures:

Unnikrishnan Potty (First accused)

Pankaj Bhandari (Ninth accused; owner of Smart Creations, Chennai)

Govardhan (Tenth accused; jeweller from Bellary)

Extent of the Loot

The investigation revealed a systematic stripping of gold from the temple’s most sacred structures. Gold was looted from all seven layers of the Sreekovil door frame, the halo (Prabhamandalam) above the frame, and the intricate Shiva and Vyali sculptures.

The stolen material was reportedly transported to Smart Creations in Chennai, where the gold was separated from the copper plates. While some gold has been recovered, the SIT maintains that a significant portion remains missing.

Audit of Stolen and Recovered Items

Inventory of Gold Lost:

  • Gold plating from two Dashavathara copper plates on the door frame.
  • The copper plate at the top of the frame.
  • Two copper plates engraved with zodiac signs (Rashi).
  • The halo plate fixed above the frame.
  • Plates from the Dwarapalaka (guardian) sculptures and the south/north pillar plates.

Gold Recovered to Date:

  • 109.243g produced by Pankaj Bhandari (Chennai).
  • 474.960g produced by Govardhan (Bellary).