Kochi, June 30, 2026: The Sabarimala gold theft probe has widened after the Special Investigation Team informed the Kerala High Court that it had collected material against seven persons, including former Travancore Devaswom Board president P.S. Prasanth. The SIT report points to alleged criminal breach of trust, forgery and criminal conspiracy in connection with the Dwarapalaka idols and related gold-plating work.
Sabarimala Gold Theft Probe Widens In Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court recorded the SIT’s findings and directed the investigation team to speed up the probe into the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Sabarimala temple. The court said every effort should be made to bring all those found responsible before law.
According to the SIT report, the seven persons under the scanner include former Sabarimala executive officer Murari Babu, sponsor Unnikrishnan Potty, Smart Creations proprietor Pankaj Bhandari, former TDB president P.S. Prasanth, TDB member A. Ajikumar, Sabarimala Thantri Kandararu Rajeevaru and Thiruvabharanam Commissioner Rejilal.
The case has triggered concern among devotees over the safety and accountability of temple assets.
Dwarapalaka Idols And 2019 Replating Under Lens
The probe is linked to the gold-clad Dwarapalaka idols placed near the sanctum sanctorum of the Sabarimala temple. The SIT told the court that the idols, originally gold-cladded, were transported to Chennai in 2019, while records allegedly described them as copper plates instead of gold-plated copper plates.
Investigators alleged that the original gold cladding was removed during the replating process and that only a thin layer of gold was later applied. The SIT also indicated that the 2025 replating move may require a fresh case or an additional report in the existing investigation if the materials support such action.
SIT Seeks More Time To Complete Probe
The SIT informed the court that the probe into the alleged misappropriation of gold from the temple doorframes had been completed and that the final report remains to be submitted. However, the team sought more time to complete the investigation regarding the Dwarapalaka idols.
The court noted that expert reports from the National Metallurgical Laboratory, Jamshedpur, and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre are still awaited. The matter has been posted for further consideration on July 20.
Role Of More Officials Being Examined
The SIT has also informed the court that the role of other former TDB officials and associated persons is still being examined. The High Court directed the team to take appropriate action if sufficient material emerges during the continuing investigation.
The development has brought renewed focus on how sacred temple assets are documented, moved and restored. For devotees, the case is not only about alleged gold loss but also about trust in the systems meant to protect temple properties.
P.S. Prasanth Denies Allegations
Former TDB president P.S. Prasanth has denied any involvement in the case. Reports said he has maintained that he had no role in the alleged misappropriation and that the investigation should bring out the truth.
The SIT’s next steps will be closely watched as the court-monitored probe moves toward final reports, possible additional proceedings and further action against those found responsible under law.
