IB Recommends CBI Probe into Sabarimala Gold Theft
Pathanamthitta:
The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has officially recommended that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) take over the probe into the theft of gold from the Sabarimala Sreekovil. The theft involved gold taken from the sanctum sanctorum’s doors, frames, and Dwarapalaka (guardian) sculptures.
According to the IB, the case has serious inter-state and possible international links, making a CBI investigation necessary to uncover the full scope of the crime. The recommendation was submitted by the IB’s state unit to the Director General of Intelligence.
Legal Process and Agency Involvement
At present, the case is being investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the supervision of the High Court. The State Police Chief is expected to submit the IB’s report to the High Court for further directions.
The IB has also suggested that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigate the case, citing suspected money laundering linked to the theft.
The ED faced initial legal obstacles in accessing case files. The Ranni Court first rejected its request, following which the High Court directed the ED to approach the Vigilance Court. Recently, the Kollam Vigilance Court ordered the transfer of case details to the ED. Once the files are received, the ED is expected to register a formal case focusing on financial transactions related to the theft.
SIT Calls Theft “Major”
In a report submitted to the Kollam Vigilance Court, the SIT described the scale of the Sabarimala gold theft as “major.” The report was filed while seeking joint custody of three key accused:
Unnikrishnan Potty (first accused)
Pankaj Bhandari (ninth accused), owner of Smart Creations, Chennai
Govardhan (tenth accused), a jeweller from Bellary
Details of the Theft
Investigators found that gold was systematically removed from seven layers of the Sreekovil door frame, the Prabhamandalam (halo) above the frame, and Shiva and Vyali sculptures. The stolen material was allegedly transported to Smart Creations in Chennai, where the gold was separated from copper plates.
While some of the stolen gold has been recovered, investigators say a large portion is still missing.
Audit of Stolen and Recovered Gold
Gold Reported Stolen Includes:
Gold plating from two Dashavathara copper plates on the door frame
Copper plate at the top of the frame
Two zodiac (Rashi) engraved copper plates
Halo plate above the door frame
Plates from Dwarapalaka sculptures and north and south pillars
Gold Recovered To Date:
109.243 grams produced by Pankaj Bhandari (Chennai)
474.960 grams produced by Govardhan (Bellary)
Investigations by multiple agencies are expected to continue as authorities work to trace the remaining gold and uncover the full network behind the theft.