Thiruvananthapuram, 26 August (H.S.):

Former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president P.S. Prasanth, who was arrested in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case, has been admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

Prasanth is undergoing treatment at the hospital's multi-speciality block. He had been lodged in a Thiruvananthapuram prison following his arrest in the case. According to preliminary information, he developed health complications while in jail and was subsequently shifted to the hospital.

Further details regarding his present medical condition and the treatment being administered have not been officially disclosed.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested Prasanth on July 23 over his alleged involvement in the case concerning the removal of the gold-clad dwarapalaka panels from the Sabarimala temple in 2025. The panels were reportedly taken to Chennai for gold-plating work.

Investigators alleged that the removal of the panels in 2025 formed part of a conspiracy to conceal the suspected misappropriation of gold that had taken place in 2019. The SIT examined the decisions and administrative procedures followed while permitting the temple artefacts to be transported outside Kerala.

According to the investigation team, the probe uncovered the alleged involvement of the then Travancore Devaswom Board leadership in granting the required administrative approvals and processing the files connected with the transportation of the panels.

Prasanth's arrest followed an examination of documents, official files and the sequence of approvals issued by the Devaswom Board. Investigators have been attempting to determine the roles played by officials and others involved in taking the gold-plated panels to Chennai.

The investigation into the alleged gold theft and the suspected attempts to conceal it is continuing. Prison and hospital authorities are expected to assess Prasanth's condition before deciding on his further treatment and custody arrangements.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman