The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the Sabarimala gold misappropriation case has expanded its inquiry by accusing former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) President P.S. Prasanth, ex-Board member A. Ajikumar, and other former Board members. This marks the third consecutive board facing legal action in this high-profile case.
Investigators suggest that the alleged irregularities spanned multiple board administrations under the CPI-M-led Left government, including during Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s tenure as the Leader of the Opposition. The SIT revealed in court that more individuals could be implicated as the investigation progresses, with the possibility of additional cases based on new evidence.
The accused individuals, including Prasanth, Ajikumar, former Sabarimala Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, and Pankaj Bhandari of Smarts Creation, face charges such as criminal breach of trust, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. The SIT alleges that the conspiracy leading to the 2025 gold misappropriation began in 2019 and involved significant irregularities in the management and movement of Sabarimala temple gold.
The case, which emerged last year following claims of gold diversion from temple ornaments, has seen former TDB President Padmakumar and his Board, as well as N. Vasu’s administration, under scrutiny. Despite earlier arrests, individuals were released on bail due to delays in filing the final charge sheet by the SIT. The recent developments elevate the legal and political implications of this ongoing investigation into the temple administration, now spanning three Devaswom Board tenures.
