Has a Former TDB Official Been Arrested in the Sabarimala Gold Heist Case?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic escalation of the Sabarimala gold heist case, a former TDB official has been arrested by the SIT, raising the total number of arrests to seven. With ongoing investigations and links to money laundering, this developing story continues to unfold in the courts.
Key Takeaways
- Sreekumar, a former TDB official, has been arrested.
- The total number of arrests in the case has reached seven.
- The SIT is actively investigating the gold heist.
- The Enforcement Directorate is involved in a money laundering probe.
- Legal proceedings are ongoing in the courts.
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 17 (NationPress) In a crucial turn of events regarding the Sabarimala gold heist, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) made a move on Wednesday by apprehending a former official, Sreekumar, who held the position of Administrative Officer (AO) at Sabarimala back in 2019.
This arrest occurred shortly after the High Court denied his anticipatory bail request.
With this development, the number of individuals arrested in connection with the case has now increased to seven.
Sreekumar asserted that in his official role, he only transferred files as directed by senior officials.
The SIT reported that the gold at Kattilappally was documented as a ‘bronze-gold’ item and was managed based on recommendations from N. Vasu, who served as the Devaswom Commissioner in 2019.
Vasu clarified that he merely relayed a letter from Murari Babu to the temple board for necessary action and that the records were handed over to Unnikrishnan Potti only after his retirement.
Among the others arrested are two former presidents of the Travancore Devasom Board, A. Padmakumar and N. Vasu, along with one current and two retired officials, and the main accused, Unnikrishnan Potti.
In a related issue, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Kollam Vigilance Court seeking access to case documents, including the FIR and remand reports, as part of its investigation into suspected money laundering associated with the heist.
The court addressed this application the next day, hearing arguments from both the ED and the SIT, and has scheduled its orders for Friday.
The SIT opposed the document release, citing concerns that it could affect the ongoing investigation. The prosecution argued that sharing the records wouldn’t compromise the identification of the actual perpetrators.
The court requested clarification on how the ED’s inquiry could interfere with the SIT’s investigation.
The ED maintained that the documents were requested with the High Court's consent and are crucial for tracing the financial transactions involved in this matter.
Notably, a retired female official sought pre-arrest bail from the Supreme Court on Wednesday after her plea was rejected by the High Court.
Point of View
My perspective remains focused on the integrity of investigative processes. The Sabarimala gold heist case highlights the necessity for transparency and accountability among officials. We must ensure that justice is served while maintaining public trust in our institutions.
NationPress
19/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the Sabarimala gold heist case?
Former TDB official Sreekumar was arrested by the SIT in connection with the Sabarimala gold heist.
How many people have been arrested so far?
As of now, a total of seven individuals have been arrested in the case.
What role did N. Vasu play in the case?
N. Vasu, the Devaswom Commissioner in 2019, made recommendations regarding the handling of the gold item recorded as 'bronze-gold'.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The SIT continues to investigate the case, while the ED is seeking access to related documents to probe alleged money laundering.
Is there any legal action being taken against arrested officials?
Yes, the High Court has been involved in reviewing bail petitions for some of the arrested officials.
