US EditionSabarimala gold theft case: ED registers Enforcement Case Information Report under PMLA
The ED registered the case after uncovering potential money laundering linked to the theft of gold-plated artefacts from Sabarimala temple, with 12 arrests made so far.
- On January 09, 2026, the Directorate of Enforcement Kochi unit registered an ECIR under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in the Sabarimala gold-theft matter after receiving Centre approval.
- The ED began preliminary inquiries in October last year after potential money‑laundering aspects surfaced and sought custody of FIR-related documents and witness statements the SIT handed over under Kollam Vigilance Court directions.
- An ED officer of Joint Director rank is expected to lead the probe focusing on proceeds of crime, as the agency moves to freeze assets linked to the accused and summon Unnikrishnan Potti among others.
- After arguing Section 467 IPC applied, the ED will file a custody application before the Kollam Vigilance Court as early as Saturday, despite SIT opposition.
- With 11 arrests, including two former TDB presidents, the ED is likely to arraign those named by the SIT as the case widens, amid political tensions over the alleged theft from Dwarapalaka idols and the temple's door frame during recent local body polls.
14 Articles
14 Articles
The investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft case has intensified. Following the arrest of the chief priest, the SIT has now arrested a tantric. It is alleged that he tacitly allowed the gold plates to be taken out of the temple premises, violating ritual rules. Meanwhile, the ED has expanded the scope of the investigation by registering a money laundering case.
NDTV
awazthevoice.inSabarimala Theft: Probe Team Arrests Chief Priest Over Replating Temple Gold
The SIT probing the Sabarimala gold case arrested chief priest Kandararu Rajeevaru, citing his close links with prime accused Unnikrishnan Potty and his role in recommending the controversial replating of the Dwarapalaka and Sreekovil gold plates.
Enforcement Directorate registers case in Sabarimala gold theft
Kochi unit of the central agency has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report under various provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering.Sabarimala gold theft, ED investigation, Money laundering probe, Kerala temple theft case, Enforcement Directorate, PMLA investigation, Unnikrishnan Potti, Financial crime investigation India, Temple gold theft investigation, Sabarimala temple, Proceeds of crime investigation, Indian Penal Code Sec…
SIT arrests Sabarimala chief priest Kandararu Rajeevaru in temple gold loss case - The Tribune
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold loss case arrested chief priest of the Lord Ayyappa temple, Kandararu Rajeevaru here on Friday, sources said.
Sabarimala gold theft case: ED registers Enforcement Case Information Report under PMLA
All those named in the cases registered by State investigative agencies may be arraigned as accused in the ED case as well, with the possibility of more names being added as the investigation progresses
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