January 20, 2026 : The Enforcement Directorate has stepped up its investigation into the alleged misappropriation of gold linked to the Sabarimala temple, carrying out coordinated search operations at 21 locations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The action marks a significant escalation in the high-profile case, which concerns the alleged diversion and laundering of valuable temple assets.
The searches were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and targeted the residences and business premises of all accused persons. Among those under scrutiny are former office-bearers of the Devaswom Board and others allegedly involved in the handling, transport and movement of temple gold. Officials said the objective of the raids was to trace the money trail, secure financial records and identify assets suspected to have been generated from the illegal removal of gold from sacred structures and ornaments associated with the Sabarimala shrine.
According to sources familiar with the probe, the agency is examining whether the proceeds of the alleged crime were routed through benami arrangements, shell entities or undisclosed investments. Searches were conducted in cities including Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Chennai and Bellari, where investigators seized digital devices, financial documents and other material relevant to the money laundering angle of the case. Senior officers of the Enforcement Directorate supervised the operations, which continued for several hours.
The ED’s investigation is running alongside a criminal probe by a Special Investigation Team formed on the directions of the Kerala High Court. While the SIT is examining the alleged conspiracy behind the disappearance of the gold, the ED is focusing on the generation, layering and concealment of the suspected proceeds of crime.
Judicial scrutiny of the matter has also intensified. The High Court has stressed that the investigation must cover every aspect of the alleged offence, including the custody of temple artefacts and the financial transactions linked to them, and has sought regular updates on the progress of the probes.
Former Devaswom Board president N. Vasu remains in judicial custody, while bail applications filed by other accused are pending before the courts. Meanwhile, certain sections of the temple priesthood and religious organisations have approached the High Court seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation, alleging lapses and a lack of impartiality in the ongoing investigations.
Officials indicated that further steps, including additional summons and possible attachment of assets, could follow depending on the evidence collected during the searches. The Sabarimala gold theft case is regarded as one of the most sensitive temple asset investigations in Kerala, carrying wide-ranging legal, administrative and religious implications. More developments are expected as the probes move forward.
