SIT arrests former TDB officer in Sabarimala gold loss case, probe widens under HC watch

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged loss of gold from the Sabarimala temple on Wednesday arrested former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) administrative officer S Sreekumar, taking the total number of arrests in the case to seven, sources said.

Sreekumar’s arrest comes nearly two weeks after the Kerala High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea, holding that a prima facie case was made out against him. The court had also dismissed the pre-arrest bail plea of former TDB secretary S Jayasree, observing that granting them protection would derail the investigation and render it “meaningless”.

The High Court had noted that both accused were fully aware that the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) plates and the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) door frames were originally gold-clad, but still signed official documents describing them as copper. Such actions, the court said, pointed to serious lapses and possible criminal intent.

With Sreekumar’s arrest, the SIT has now taken into custody seven persons in connection with two separate cases registered over the alleged loss and misappropriation of gold from the hill shrine. Those arrested earlier include prime accused Unnikrishnan Potty and former TDB presidents N Vasu and A Padmakumar.

The SIT, constituted on the directions of the Kerala High Court, is probing two FIRs—one relating to gold allegedly removed from the gold-clad plates of the Dwarapalaka idols and the other concerning the gold on the door frames of the Sreekovil. The team has conducted scientific examinations at the shrine, verified inventories, seized documents, and carried out searches at the residences of accused officials.

The SIT has already submitted an initial progress report before the High Court in a sealed cover. The court has since extended the time for completion of the probe, directing investigators to examine the possibility of a larger conspiracy and the role of officials involved in documentation, approvals, and handling of temple valuables.

Bail pleas of some other accused remain pending before the High Court, while the court continues to closely monitor the progress of the investigation.

The controversy came to light after discrepancies were detected during audits and inspections of gold-clad structures at Sabarimala, one of the most prominent pilgrimage centres in the country. Allegations were raised that gold covering the Dwarapalaka idols and parts of the sanctum’s door frames had gone missing during renovation and maintenance works carried out in earlier years.

Petitions were subsequently filed in the Kerala High Court alleging large-scale misappropriation of temple gold and manipulation of official records. Taking serious note of the allegations and the sensitive nature of the shrine, the High Court ordered registration of criminal cases and constituted a special investigation team to ensure an independent and effective probe.

The case has since triggered political controversy and demands for greater accountability in the management of temple assets, even as petitions seeking a CBI probe are pending consideration before the court.

With fresh arrests and continued judicial oversight, the Sabarimala gold loss case has entered a crucial phase, with investigators expected to file a comprehensive report once the probe is completed.