Kochi, 09 Jan (H.S.):The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has formally entered the investigation into the high-profile Sabarimala gold theft case by registering a money laundering case under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). An Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) was filed after the agency received mandatory approval from its headquarters on Thursday, official sources said.

The ED’s move follows the transfer of crucial case materials by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is probing the gold theft linked to the Sabarimala temple. Acting on directions from the Kollam Vigilance Court, the SIT had earlier handed over copies of the FIR, witness statements, and other relevant documents to the central agency.

According to sources familiar with the development, the ED is likely to name all individuals currently under investigation by the SIT as accused in the money laundering case. The agency has begun preliminary procedures and is moving swiftly to trace the financial trail connected to the alleged crime.

Officials said the ED is examining whether the proceeds of the gold theft were laundered through benami transactions, shell entities, or other financial channels. As part of the initial phase of the probe, the agency is expected to initiate steps to freeze bank accounts and attach movable and immovable assets believed to be linked to the accused.

The ED is also preparing to seek custodial interrogation of key suspects. Sources indicated that a custody application may be filed before the Kollam court as early as Saturday, depending on the progress of the initial scrutiny.

The registration of the ECIR marks a significant escalation in the case, bringing it under the ambit of central financial crime investigation. With both the SIT and the ED now pursuing parallel probes—criminal and financial—the Sabarimala gold theft case is set to witness intensified legal and investigative action in the coming days.

Officials maintained that further developments would depend on the outcome of asset tracing and financial analysis currently under way.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman