The investigation into the mysterious disappearance of gold offerings from the sacred Sabarimala temple has taken a dramatic turn with Income Tax authorities launching coordinated raids across three states. The multi-city operation has uncovered crucial financial links in what appears to be a sophisticated network involved in the multi-crore gold theft case.
Three Cities, One Investigation
In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through Kerala's religious and political circles, I-T officials conducted simultaneous searches at:
- A prominent Chennai-based company suspected of financial irregularities
- A high-end residential flat in Bengaluru's upscale neighborhood
- Multiple jewellery establishments in Karnataka's Bellary district
The raids, which began early Thursday morning, continued for over 24 hours as officials sifted through financial documents, digital records, and transaction details that could potentially connect the dots in the Sabarimala gold mystery.
Following the Money Trail
Sources close to the investigation revealed that the raids were prompted by specific intelligence about suspicious financial transactions and potential money laundering activities linked to the missing temple gold. The Bengaluru flat, located in a premium residential complex, is believed to be connected to individuals with alleged ties to the gold handling operations at Sabarimala.
The Bellary angle is particularly intriguing, given the region's historical connection with gold trade and jewellery manufacturing. Investigators are examining whether stolen temple gold was melted and recast through these establishments to conceal its origin.
Temple Trust Under Scanner
The Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the Sabarimala temple, has been under increasing pressure since the gold shortage came to light. The current raids represent the most significant escalation in the probe yet, moving beyond the temple premises to track the possible diversion and conversion of the precious metal.
"This is no longer just about missing gold," a senior official involved in the investigation commented on condition of anonymity. "We're looking at a complex web of financial transactions that might reveal how temple offerings were systematically diverted and converted into untraceable assets."
What's Next in the Investigation?
As the raids continue, investigators are focusing on several key aspects:
- Digital evidence from seized electronic devices
- Bank transaction records from the past five years
- Jewellery purchase and sales documentation
- Property investment patterns of suspects
- Inter-state transfer of funds and assets
The probe has gained momentum after initial investigations suggested significant discrepancies in the accounting of gold offerings made by millions of devotees who visit the hill shrine annually.
With political parties and religious organizations demanding swift action, the pressure is mounting on investigating agencies to unravel the complete picture behind one of Kerala's most sensitive religious financial scandals.
