Why did the ED conduct raids on the Devaswom Board in the Sabarimala gold heist case?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The ED's unprecedented raids on the Devaswom Board have sent tremors through Kerala's political landscape. Amidst escalating allegations of financial misconduct, the agency's operations reveal a deeper investigation into potential money laundering activities linked to the Sabarimala gold heist.
Key Takeaways
- The ED has intensified its investigation into the Sabarimala gold heist.
- Raids at the Devaswom Board headquarters have led to the seizure of critical documents.
- The investigation may expose extensive financial irregularities.
- Simultaneous searches at former board members' residences indicate broad implications.
- Political ramifications for the CPI(M) are becoming increasingly evident.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 21 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate's late-night operations spanning three states represent a significant intensification in the investigation of the Sabarimala gold heist, as the central agency has, for the first time, infiltrated the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) headquarters and confiscated vital documents.
This synchronized raid, executed at 21 locations associated with 22 individuals—including 13 individuals currently in judicial custody—has created a stir in both political and administrative spheres across Kerala.
The ruling CPI(M) is particularly unsettled by the ED's groundbreaking decision to search the Devaswom Board headquarters located at Nanthancode in Thiruvananthapuram. Officials dedicated several hours to reviewing files, indicating that the investigation now extends beyond mere individual wrongdoing to issues of institutional accountability.
According to sources, the agency has seized numerous critical documents and is meticulously analyzing them, with potential bank account freezes and additional arrests anticipated shortly.
The raids commenced soon after the Sabarimala temple's closure following the Makara Vilakku festival, under an operation reportedly dubbed “Operation Golden Shadow.” The timing and magnitude of the action highlight the seriousness with which the ED is investigating claims that the Devaswom Board served as a channel for extensive financial misconduct involving gold and cash amounting to crores of rupees.
In addition to records directly associated with the alleged gold theft at Sannidhanam, the ED also gathered files concerning significant construction projects and sponsorship agreements executed by the Board over recent years. Officials believe these might offer crucial insights into possible money laundering and fund misappropriation.
Simultaneous searches occurred at the residences of former Devaswom Board presidents A. Padmakumar and N. Vasu, both of whom are CPI(M) nominees, putting the party on the back foot. The raid at Padmakumar's home in Aranmula—where he also serves as a CPI(M) Pathanamthitta district committee member—reportedly lasted nearly ten hours.
Former Board members K.P. Sankaradas and N. Vijayakumar were also targeted. All individuals named are currently detained.
Raids at locations linked to Chennai-based Smart Creations CEO Pankaj Bhandari and Karnataka-based gold trader Govardhan have bolstered the ED's suspicions of interstate gold smuggling and money-laundering associations.
The agency is investigating whether political support extended beyond officials implicated in the alleged Sabarimala gold heist. With ED teams stationed at the Devaswom Board, the stage seems set for one of the most extensive financial investigations in its history—raising concerns within CPI(M) circles that long-suspected irregularities within the Board may finally be scrutinized.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the national implications of the ED's actions in relation to the Sabarimala gold heist. The investigation not only addresses financial irregularities but also raises questions about institutional integrity within the Travancore Devaswom Board. This situation demands rigorous scrutiny as it unfolds.
NationPress
22/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the ED's raids on the Devaswom Board?
The raids were initiated as part of the investigation into the Sabarimala gold heist, focusing on potential financial misconduct within the Board.
How many locations were raided by the ED?
A total of 21 locations linked to 22 individuals were raided during the operation.
What is the significance of Operation Golden Shadow?
Operation Golden Shadow signifies the ED's serious approach to investigating extensive financial irregularities linked to the Devaswom Board.
Which prominent figures are involved in this case?
Former Devaswom Board presidents A. Padmakumar and N. Vasu, along with other former board members, have been named in the investigation.
What are the potential implications for the CPI(M)?
The ongoing investigation could have significant political repercussions for the CPI(M), raising concerns about accountability and transparency within the party.
