ED Probes Sabarimala Gold 'Loss': Former Official Questioned in Money Laundering Case

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken a significant step in its investigation into the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. On Tuesday, the agency questioned former Travancore Devaswom Board administrative officer Murari Babu as part of the probe into the 'loss' of gold from the temple's artefacts. The ED has been investigating the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and has already recorded statements from several individuals, including another ex-TDB administrative officer, S Sreekumar. The agency has also seized assets worth ₹1.3 crore and a 100-gram gold bar from an entity in Chennai. The investigation has revealed a complex web of irregularities, including official misconduct, administrative lapses, and a criminal conspiracy to misappropriate the gold from the temple artefacts. The probe found that the sacred gold-clad artefacts, including the Dwarapalaka idol components, peedams, and sanctum sanctorum door frame panels, were misrepresented in official records as mere 'copper plates' and unauthorisedly removed from the temple premises between 2019 and 2025. The extracted gold was then transported to private facilities in Chennai and Karnataka, where it was extracted through chemical processes under the guise of repair and replating work. The ED has claimed that the extracted gold and related assets constitute proceeds of crime, which were retained, transferred, and concealed by the accused persons. The investigation has also brought to light indications of other financial irregularities and 'scams' at the Sabarimala Temple, including misappropriation related to temple offerings and rituals. The ED's probe is being closely monitored by the Kerala High Court, and the agency has filed a PMLA case in connection with the investigation.