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Thiruvananthapuram: Investigation into the gold theft scam in Sabarimala temple is set to take a new turn with the state Intelligence Bureau formally recommending the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the inquiry over the alleged theft of gold from the doors, frames and Dwarapalaka sculptures (Sanctum sanctorum).
Currently, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is handling the case under the supervision of the High Court. It is understood that the State Police Chief will now submit the IB’s findings to the High Court for further consideration. Beyond the criminal theft, the IB has proposed an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), suspecting that the case involves substantial money laundering.
In a report submitted to the Kollam Vigilance Court, the SIT described the scale of the Sabarimala gold theft as "major." The disclosure was made while the team sought the joint custody of three accused namely Unnikrishnan Potti, Pankaj Bhandari and Govardhan.
The investigation revealed a systematic stripping of gold from the temple’s most sacred structures. Gold was looted from all seven layers of the Sreekovil door frame, the halo above the frame and the intricate Siva and Vyali structures.
“Investigation team not able to fully recover stolen gold”
The SIT also informed the court that the investigative team has not yet been able to fully recover the gold stolen from the temple. The team informed that only 584 grams of the gold were recovered, which is less than what was originally stolen from the temple.
110 grams and 474 grams of gold were recovered from Smart Creations in Chennai and Roddam Jewellery in Bellari respectively, the SIT told the court.
