Thiruvananthapuram, 20 Jan (HS):The Enforcement Directorate (ED) today launched a sweeping, coordinated crackdown across South India in connection with the alleged gold theft at the Sabarimala temple, carrying out simultaneous raids at 21 locations linked to the case. The action follows the registration of an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), marking the agency’s formal entry into the probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
According to officials, ED teams drawn from multiple southern states, including Andhra Pradesh, were deployed to conduct synchronised searches. The raids were carried out across Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, indicating that investigators are tracking an inter-state money trail connected to the alleged diversion and laundering of gold-linked proceeds.
Among the key locations searched were the residences of prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti and the homes of former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) presidents A. Padmakumar and N. Vasu. ED officials conducted searches at Padmakumar’s residence in Aranmula and Vasu’s house in Petta. Teams also carried out inspections at the Travancore Devaswom Board headquarters as part of the probe.
Outside Kerala, ED units continued searches in Bengaluru and Chennai, underscoring the suspected wider financial network behind the alleged offence. In Kerala, raids were also conducted at Unnikrishnan Potti’s residence in Pulimath, the homes of Murari Babu and gold trader Govardhan, and the premises of Smart Creations, a firm believed to be linked to the transactions under scrutiny.
Sources said investigators are examining bank account details, financial documents, and transaction records to establish whether proceeds from the alleged gold theft were routed through multiple accounts or entities to conceal their origin. Digital devices and documents seized during the searches are also being analysed to identify beneficiaries and facilitators.
Officials indicated that if financial irregularities and money laundering links are established, the ED may proceed with asset attachment under the PMLA. While no official disclosure has been made regarding seizures or recoveries so far, the scale and spread of the raids underline the seriousness of the investigation. Further developments are expected as searches continue and statements are recorded from those connected to the case.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
