ED Cracks Down on Sabarimala Gold Scandal: Raids 21 Locations in 3 States
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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a major crackdown on Tuesday, conducting searches at 21 locations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka in connection with the alleged money laundering in the high-profile Sabarimala gold theft case. The ED targeted the headquarters of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the Sabarimala temple, and the residences of key accused individuals, including businessman Unnikrishnan Potty and former TDB chief A Padmakumar. The case involves the alleged misappropriation of gold from the temple's door frames and guardian idols. A special investigation team (SIT) of the Kerala police is currently investigating the case, which was ordered by the state high court. At least 11 people have been arrested so far in two cases registered by the SIT. The ED is examining the proceeds of the crime and possible irregularities, including money laundering and criminal conspiracy charges. The agency had registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) after obtaining permission from a Kollam court. TDB president K Jayakumar welcomed the ED probe, stating that the board is cooperating fully with the investigation. However, he declined to comment further, citing the ongoing high court supervision of the case.
