Archive · 29 Nov 2025
SIT Questions Ex-Officials in Sabarimala Gold Loss Case
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is looking into a case where gold was lost from the Sabarimala temple.
They questioned a former official named K S Baiju, who was in charge of the sacred ornaments when the gold-plated coverings of the guardian deity idols were taken for electroplating in July 2019.
Baiju was on leave when this happened.
The SIT has also arrested six people, including two former presidents of the Travancore Devaswom Board.
The court allowed the SIT to keep Baiju in custody for further questioning and dismissed his bail application, saying it could affect the ongoing investigation.
Baiju's lawyer said he was not involved in the removal of the gold plates from the door frames.
The SIT questioned former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner K S Baiju regarding the gold loss from Sabarimala temple.
Baiju was on leave when the gold-plated coverings of the Dwarapalaka idols were removed for electroplating in July 2019.
The Kollam Vigilance Court permitted Baiju's custody till evening for further questioning.
The court dismissed Baiju's bail application, citing the ongoing investigation.
The SIT has arrested six persons, including two former presidents of the Travancore Devaswom Board, in connection with the case.
- Who
- K S Baiju, former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner, and Unnikrishnan Potty, prime accused
- What
- Questioning of ex-officials in the Sabarimala gold loss case
- When
- July 2019 (incident), November 2023 (questioning)
- Where
- Kollam Vigilance Court
- Why
- To investigate the gold loss from Sabarimala temple
- Person Involved
- K S Baiju, former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner
- Organization
- Travancore Devaswom Board
- Case Details
- Gold loss from Sabarimala temple
- Date of Incident
- July 2019
- Investigation Body
- Special Investigation Team (SIT)
- Court
- Kollam Vigilance Court
- Arrests Made
- Six persons, including two former presidents of the Travancore Devaswom Board
