Thiruvananthapuram ,16 March (H.S.):

The investigation into the reported theft at the historic Kowdiar Palace in Thiruvananthapuram is likely to be handed over to the Crime Branch as police intensify efforts to trace the culprits behind the disappearance of several valuable ornaments.

According to preliminary findings, investigators suspect that the theft may have been carried out by someone familiar with the layout and functioning of the palace. Police believe the intruder gained access to a room on the second floor and removed valuables kept inside a compartment of a cupboard, indicating prior knowledge of the location where the ornaments were stored.

The incident involves the theft of several traditional and diamond‑studded ornaments worth crores of rupees, many of which are believed to be heirlooms passed down through generations of the Travancore royal family. Authorities have widened the scope of the probe and are examining the possibility that individuals who had visited the palace in recent months may have had a role in the crime.

As part of the investigation, police are preparing a detailed list of all visitors who entered the palace premises during October and November. The list reportedly includes both Indian and foreign visitors. Investigators are also expected to question palace staff and certain members of the household to gather further information about movements inside the palace during that period.

However, sources said the palace authorities have requested the police to conduct the questioning sensitively and avoid causing unnecessary inconvenience to employees and family members residing there.

Reports about the theft from the Kowdiar Palace surfaced only recently, though the incident is believed to have occurred in November last year.

The complaint regarding the missing valuables was filed with the police by Aswathi Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi, a member of the Travancore royal family. The complaint was initially submitted to the Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner and was later forwarded to the Peroorkada police station for further investigation.

According to the complaint, gold ornaments stored inside a cupboard were found missing. The stolen items include several valuable pieces of jewellery, some of which were brought from abroad. Among the missing items are two gold bangles with leaf motifs weighing four sovereigns, two narrow gold bangles weighing three sovereigns, a five‑sovereign gold chain known as kuzhiminni mala, and a necklace set with green stones valued at around ₹8 lakh, including earrings and a pendant.

Other missing items include a pair of gold earrings with a leaf‑designed hair ornament, a two‑sovereign anklet made with black and gold beads, a three‑sovereign anklet designed with pichipoo motifs, and a gold chain embedded with orange coral stones weighing about half a sovereign.

Police have estimated the preliminary loss at around ₹2 crore, though the exact value may rise as the investigation progresses and a full inventory of missing items is completed.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman