Sabarimala gold theft case: ED raids several premises in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
Raids on religious institution and former official raise concerns about potential corruption.
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) conducted surprise raids across Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu on Tuesday (January 20, 2026) as part of its money laundering investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft case. ED officials searched premises including the headquarters of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) in Thiruvananthapuram, the residence of former TDB president A Padmakumar, and the home of the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti. The raids were authorized by an Enquiry Commissioner and Special Judge, Kollam who overruled the State's argument that a parallel ED investigation would jeopardize the ongoing probe by the High Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT). The SIT has already arraigned 13 persons in connection with the case, including the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple’s chief priest.
5 FEB 2026
— The Hindu
The BJP Kerala president demanded the Chief Minister refer the Sabarimala gold theft case to the CBI, citing concerns about the investigation's independence.
— The Hindu
KPCC president Sunny Joseph alleges that the CPI(M) is hindering the Sabarimala gold theft investigation, citing its influence on the process and bail granted to the accused.
— The Hindu
The Kerala Assembly adjourned early on February 5th due to protests from the Congress-led UDF over the Sabarimala gold theft case.
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