In a significant development in the high-profile Sabarimala gold heist case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has made a crucial arrest. The SIT has taken into custody former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) administrative officer Sreekumar for his alleged role in the theft of gold from the famed Ayyappa temple.
The Arrest and the Allegations
The arrest comes after the court made a pointed observation regarding Sreekumar's conduct. The judicial body noted that both Sreekumar and another individual, Jayasree, were fully aware that the plates in question were originally gold-clad. Despite this knowledge, they proceeded to sign official documents that falsely described the items as being made of copper. This act of misrepresentation is central to the case against the former officer.
Details of the Sabarimala Temple Case
The case revolves around the theft and replacement of valuable gold assets from the Sabarimala temple, one of Kerala's most prominent and revered pilgrimage sites. The investigation has been probing a network of individuals who allegedly conspired to substitute genuine gold items with inferior metals, causing substantial financial and religious loss. The arrest of an administrative insider like Sreekumar points to a deeper malaise and possible procedural lapses within the system overseeing the temple's vast wealth.
Implications and Next Steps
The arrest of the former TDB officer marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing probe. It underscores the SIT's focus on administrative complicity rather than just the physical act of theft. The court's prior remarks have strengthened the case, highlighting intentional wrongdoing. This development is expected to lead to further revelations and possibly more arrests as investigators trace the entire chain of the heist, from planning to execution and cover-up. The case has drawn widespread attention, raising serious questions about the security and management of assets in major Indian temples.
The news was reported by PTI on 17 December 2025. The SIT continues its investigation to uncover all facets of this intricate temple gold theft.
