In a major development shaking Kerala’s revered Sabarimala temple, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered a case in the sensational gold theft scandal. This comes hours after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) took the powerful temple Tantri, Kanthi Swamy Kartikeya Bhattarcharya, into custody for questioning.
The theft, uncovered last month, involved over 300 sovereigns of gold ornaments vanishing from the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. Devotees and authorities were stunned when CCTV footage revealed suspicious movements near the inner chamber during the off-season. The incident has sparked outrage among millions of Lord Ayyappa followers worldwide.
The SIT, formed by Kerala Police, zeroed in on the Tantri after forensic analysis linked him to the crime scene. Sources say his fingerprints were found on a sealed box breached during the heist. The Tantri, who holds ritual authority over temple ceremonies, was detained from his residence in Kasaragod late last night amid tight security.
ED’s entry signals money laundering probes. Officials suspect the stolen gold was smuggled out and converted into cash through hawala networks. Raids are underway at multiple locations, including jewelers in neighboring states. Temple board chief A Padmakumar called it a ‘dark day’ for Sabarimala, vowing full cooperation.
As investigations deepen, political tensions rise. Opposition leaders demand a CBI takeover, accusing state police of soft-pedaling due to the Tantri’s influence. The BJP has slammed the LDF government for lapses in temple security. Pilgrims are urged to stay calm while authorities promise swift justice.
This case exposes vulnerabilities in one of India’s richest shrines, drawing parallels to past temple robberies. With ED now involved, the probe could unravel a larger syndicate operating under religious cover. More arrests are expected soon, as Kerala braces for revelations that could tarnish the temple’s sanctity.