ED raids 21 locations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka in Sabarimala gold-plating scam probe; 11 arrests made, money laundering investigated.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted coordinated raids across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka as part of its probe into alleged money laundering linked to the misappropriation of gold-plated copper artefacts and valuables from the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. The Kochi Zonal Office carried out searches at 21 locations on January 20, 2026, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

The operations follow FIRs filed by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Kerala High Court, which uncovered a purported conspiracy involving Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) officials, contractors, intermediaries, and jewellers.

Alleged Scam Background

While the controversy came to light in 2019, investigators say the alleged irregularities date back over two decades, beginning with gold plating works at the temple in 1998–99, setting a precedent for misappropriation.

In 2019, several idols weighing 42.8 kg were sent for repairs. When returned, their weight had dropped to 38.2 kg, indicating a loss of nearly 4.5 kg of gold, sparking a detailed investigation into the re-plating process.

Irregular Re-Plating and Record Falsification

The SIT found that idols and temple components were sent to a private Chennai-based firm, violating temple customs that mandate such work be done on-site. Additionally, the Travancore Devaswom Board allegedly recorded gold plates as copper in official registers. Photo comparisons suggested systematic removal of gold plating from idols, doors, steps, and other carved sections of the shrine.

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Financial Trail Beyond Kerala

Although the main idol remained untouched, investigators allege that gold was chemically extracted at the Chennai firm, re-plated in smaller amounts, and diverted through intermediaries to a Ballari-based jeweller in Karnataka. The ED’s raids aim to track the flow of illicit funds, identify proceeds of crime, and dismantle the money laundering network.

Arrests and Investigation Status

To date, 11 people have been arrested, including contractor Unnikrishnan Potti, the Chennai firm owner, a Ballari jeweller, and three CPI(M) leaders, including former MLA A. Padmakumar. The temple’s chief priest had also been taken into custody earlier during the investigation.