Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Kerala High Court Investigates Sabarimala Gold Heist
The Kerala High Court thinks that the gold plates from the Sabarimala temple were stolen in a planned way.
They found that the gold plates might have been replaced with new ones.
The court asked a special team to check the gold plates again and talk to the people who did the first check.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also investigating and conducting raids in three states.
They are looking into how the gold was stolen and where the money from selling the gold might have gone.
The police have caught 13 people and are trying to find the stolen gold.
The court will talk about this again on February 9.
Kerala High Court suspects a planned plunder of gold plates at Sabarimala temple.
Initial inspection reports indicate possible replacement of original gold plates.
Court directs SIT to conduct a fresh inspection and record statements from VSSC officials.
13 accused are in judicial custody, with more arrests likely; ED conducts raids at 21 locations.
Efforts are underway to trace the allegedly melted-down gold and freeze bank accounts of the accused.
- Who
- Kerala High Court, Special Investigation Team (SIT), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Unnikrishnan Potti, A Padmakumar, Murari Babu, N. Vasu, Govardhan, Pankaj Bhandari
- What
- Suspected planned plunder of gold plates at Sabarimala temple and subsequent investigation
- When
- Observations made in January 2024, ED raids conducted on January 20, 2024, next hearing on February 9, 2024
- Where
- Sabarimala, Kerala, India; raids conducted in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu
- Why
- To investigate the alleged systematic removal of gold plates from the temple and related financial irregularities
- Location
- Sabarimala, Kerala, India
- Date of Observation
- January 2024
- Number of Accused
- 13 in judicial custody
- Investigation Team
- Special Investigation Team (SIT)
- Scientific Inspection
- Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)
- Next Court Hearing
- February 9, 2024
- ED Raids
- 21 locations across Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu
- Legal Framework
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
Sources
Sabarimala Gold Heist Appears To Be Planned Plunder: Kerala High Court
Chemical analysis of Sabarimala gold samples confirms ‘tampering, substitution’
Sabarimala gold loss case: ED raids in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
Sabarimala Gold Theft Case: ED Conducts Searches in Kerala
ED raids 21 locations in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka over Sabarimala gold misappropriation case
Sabarimala gold smuggling case: Multi-state ED raids underway at 21 locations including premises of all accused
Breaking News Today: Suspected IED Found on Roadside in North Kashmir’s Baramulla, Area Sealed
Sabarimala Gold Case: ED Raids 21 Locations In Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu; SIT To Visit Temple Today
Probe Agency ED Conducts Multi-State Raids In Sabarimala Gold Theft Case
Sabarimala gold heist: ED raids 21 locations across Kerala, TN, Karnataka
Kerala vigilance court reserves order on bail plea of Potty in Sabarimala gold loss case
Kerala Court Reserves Order on Bail Plea of Potty in Sabarimala Gold Loss Case
Supreme Court To Examine Whether Enforcement Directorate Is Juristic Person Under Article 226
Kerala: Court grants bail to Unnikrishnan, main accused in Sabarimala Temple gold loot case
ED probe in connection with Sabarimala gold loss appear ‘politically motivated’: Minister Vasavan
Sabarimala Gold Case: Minister Flags Doubts as ED Raids 21 Locations
Five Arrested in Kasibugga Temple Burglary; ₹40.25 Lakh Loot Recovered
