Thiruvananthapuram, March 18 (NationPress) While the Kerala Police is often praised for its adeptness in solving intricate cases promptly, two notable theft incidents have cast a shadow over the department, with investigations still lacking significant advancement.

The focus is on the significant heist at Kowdiar Palace, the official abode of the Travancore royal family, where diamond jewelry and an antique gold collection valued at Rs 2 crore were reported stolen from the wardrobe of Aswathi Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi.

Despite assurances that the investigation has been escalated, the lack of tangible results has raised doubts about its effectiveness.

This historic mansion was constructed by Maharaja Sree Chithira Thirunal, with the current structure completed in 1934.

The timing of the construction coincided with the marriage of his only sister, Karthika Thirunal Lakshmi Bayi, to G.V. Raja, marking a pivotal moment in the history of the former royal family.

The palace, situated near the Governor’s residence, encompasses around 150 rooms and is home to four royal families, alongside nearly 40 staff members who oversee its daily operations.

Adding to the concern is the striking resemblance to the unresolved ivory theft at the Pangode military camp, a case that previously garnered significant media attention but ultimately went cold.

The theft at this highly secured military facility remains unsolved, and critics are now wary that the Kowdiar case may similarly stagnate.

Police teams have begun standard investigative procedures in the palace theft case, which include gathering statements from royal family members, staff, residents, and visitors, including foreign nationals.

Under the guidance of senior officers, such as the Deputy Commissioner, evidence collection is underway, with fingerprint experts inspecting multiple locations within the palace.

Authorities have indicated that questioning will persist, potentially including YouTubers who visited the palace.

Yet, the core question lingers: how could such valuable items worth Rs 2 crore disappear from a location with stringent security measures?

The ambiguity surrounding the case has led to escalating public skepticism, with many questioning if the investigation is merely routine.

Observers note that investigations involving prominent figures or sensitive sites often risk losing momentum as time passes.

The Pangode case serves as a cautionary tale, where initial urgency failed to translate into results.

With both cases now in the limelight, the Kerala Police faces the daunting task of rebuilding public confidence by achieving tangible results.

The question remains: can the force break the cycle seen in the Pangode case and bring the perpetrators of the Kowdiar theft to justice?