The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting raids in Bengaluru and Ballari, Karnataka, in connection with the theft of 4.5 kilograms of gold from the Sabarimala Ayyappa Swamy temple in Kerala. The main accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, and other trustees’ residences and properties are under scrutiny in the ongoing raids.
Simultaneous searches are being carried out at the Roddam Jewellery shop in Ballari and the property of its owner, Govardhan. A team of nine officers is conducting these searches. Additionally, raids are taking place at an Ayyappa temple in Srirampuram, Bengaluru, along with the residences of trustees and a property associated with the main accused, Unnikrishnan.
Govardhan, a gold trader from Ballari, is accused of purchasing gold from Unnikrishnan Potti, the main suspect in the case. Investigations have revealed Govardhan’s significant involvement in the gold theft, with allegations that he bought the stolen gold from the temple. Govardhan has been arrested by Kerala SIT officials for the illegal purchase of 470 grams of gold and is currently in custody.
In light of suspicions of large-scale illegal money transfers, the Enforcement Directorate has initiated a probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). There are allegations that the Sabarimala gold theft case may involve influential individuals beyond mere theft.
Further details are anticipated as the investigation progresses, with an official statement from the ED pending regarding the ongoing raids. The case involves the alleged misappropriation of gold offerings from the Sabarimala shrine, prompting the ED to conduct searches in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka to scrutinize the temple’s gold reserves and management.
