Thiruvananthapuram: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the high-profile gold theft case at the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple intensified its crackdown on Wednesday with the arrest of former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) member K.P. Sankar Das. The arrest marks a significant development in the long-running investigation into the disappearance of gold from within the temple complex.
According to officials familiar with the probe, Sankar Das has been arrested in connection with two separate cases relating to the alleged removal of gold from the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols and from the doors of the Sreekovil, the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. Investigators believe the missing gold included decorative layers and fittings that were part of the temple’s sacred structures.
Arrest effected at hospital
Sources said Sankar Das was undergoing medical treatment at a private hospital when the SIT team arrived and formally placed him under arrest. In view of his health condition, he has been allowed to remain in hospital custody for the time being. The SIT has submitted a detailed report to the Kollam Vigilance Court, outlining the grounds for arrest and the evidence collected so far.
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Judicial sources indicated that the court is likely to complete the remand formalities at the hospital itself on Thursday, given the medical status of the accused. Security arrangements have been tightened at the hospital following the arrest.
High Court scrutiny hastened move
The arrest comes days after the Kerala High Court sought an explanation from the SIT on why Sankar Das had not been taken into custody despite his alleged role emerging during the course of the investigation. The court’s observations are said to have added urgency to the probe, prompting the agency to move swiftly.
Investigators have identified Sankar Das as the eleventh accused in the case. Officials maintained that the decision to arrest him was based on documentary evidence, witness statements and material recovered during earlier phases of the investigation.
Multiple former board members already in custody
The Sabarimala gold theft case has, over the past few months, led to the arrest of several individuals who held key positions in the Travancore Devaswom Board and were associated with temple administration. Former TDB presidents and board members have already been remanded to judicial custody in separate cases linked to the alleged misappropriation of temple gold.
In addition, a senior religious functionary associated with the traditional rituals of the temple was arrested earlier for his alleged involvement in the removal of gold from the sanctum doors. The SIT has consistently indicated that the offences under investigation point to a coordinated and systematic operation rather than isolated acts of theft.
Twelve arrests so far, probe widens
On Tuesday, the Kollam Vigilance Court had granted permission to arrest those linked to the case involving missing gold from the Dwarapalaka idols. With the arrest of Sankar Das, the total number of arrests in the Sabarimala gold loss cases has now risen to 12.
Officials said the SIT is closely examining records related to temple renovation works, maintenance contracts, and inventory registers of gold ornaments and fittings. Financial transactions linked to these activities are also under scrutiny to determine whether the stolen gold was monetised or diverted through intermediaries.
Case with wide political and social ramifications
The alleged theft of gold from one of India’s most revered temples has remained under investigation for several years and has generated considerable political and social debate in Kerala. Beyond the financial implications, the case has raised serious questions about governance, oversight mechanisms and accountability within temple administration.
Political parties have repeatedly traded accusations over the handling of the probe, with opposition groups questioning the pace and neutrality of the investigation at various stages. The SIT, however, has maintained that the inquiry is being conducted strictly on the basis of evidence and without external influence.
Officials involved in the probe said further arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses. Efforts are also underway to trace the final destination of the missing gold and to establish whether any larger trafficking or illegal trading network was involved.
With the latest arrest, the Sabarimala gold theft case appears to be moving towards a decisive phase, one that could have far-reaching implications for temple administration and the political discourse surrounding religious institutions in the state.
