Searches Conducted Under PMLA Following Kerala Police FIRs; Gold-Clad Temple Artefacts Allegedly Misrepresented and Illegally Removed
New Delhi / Kochi / Bengaluru: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Kochi Zonal Office, on January 20, 2026, conducted search operations at 21 locations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in connection with an alleged large-scale misappropriation of gold and other temple assets linked to Sabarimala Temple, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The searches were carried out following two FIRs registered by the Kerala Police Crime Branch, which formed the basis for the ED’s investigation.
Criminal Conspiracy Involving Temple Officials and Private Entities
According to the ED, preliminary investigation has revealed a well-planned criminal conspiracy involving senior officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), former temple administrators, private sponsors and jewellers.
The probe has found that gold-clad sacred artefacts of Sabarimala Temple, including:
- Dwarapalaka idol components
- Peedams (pedestals)
- Sanctum sanctorum door frame panels
were deliberately misrepresented in official records as “copper plates” and unauthorisedly removed from the temple premises between 2019 and 2025.
Gold Extracted Through Chemical Processing
The ED stated that these artefacts were subsequently transported to private facilities in Chennai and Karnataka, including Smart Creations and Roddam Jewellers, where gold was extracted using chemical processes under the guise of repair and replating work.
The extracted gold and related assets, according to the agency, constitute “Proceeds of Crime”, which were retained, transferred and concealed by the accused persons.
Wider Financial Irregularities Under Scanner
The investigation has also brought to light indications of additional financial irregularities and scams at Sabarimala Temple, including misappropriation linked to temple offerings and rituals. These aspects are also being examined under the PMLA framework.
Incriminating Documents, Digital Evidence Seized
During the search operations, the ED recovered a large volume of incriminating documents and digital evidence from multiple locations. These include:
- Mahazars and official records prepared by TDB officials
- Documents deliberately misclassifying gold-clad artefacts as copper plates
- Official recommendations, orders and correspondence between 2019 and 2024
- Invoices and payment records of private jewellers
- Warranty certificates related to chemical extraction and replating work
Additionally, documents indicating systemic irregularities in temple offerings and rituals, diversion of proceeds, unexplained accumulation of assets and suspicious financial transactions by certain officials were also seized.
₹1.3 Crore Properties Frozen; Gold Bar Seized
As part of the ongoing investigation, eight immovable properties belonging to the prime accused, valued at approximately ₹1.3 crore, were frozen under Section 17(1A) of the PMLA, 2002, on the basis of suspected Proceeds of Crime.
Further, the ED also seized a 100-gram gold bar from the premises of Smart Creations, Chennai.
Investigation Ongoing
The Enforcement Directorate stated that all seized materials and evidence are currently under examination to:
- Quantify the exact Proceeds of Crime
- Establish the complete money-laundering trail
- Identify all beneficiaries involved in the alleged offence
The agency confirmed that further investigation is in progress.
