In a significant escalation of the high-profile Sabarimala temple gold loss investigation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is preparing to formally register a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This move follows the ongoing probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) which has already led to the arrest of seven individuals in connection with the alleged theft and misappropriation of gold offerings from the renowned Kerala shrine.
ED Steps In: A New Phase in the Probe
The federal anti-money laundering agency is now set to take cognizance of the case, marking a critical new phase. The ED's intervention is based on the predicate offence registered by the Kerala police's SIT. As part of its standard procedure, the ED will soon initiate its own investigation under the stringent provisions of the PMLA to trace the possible proceeds of crime generated from the alleged gold theft.
The agency will officially receive a comprehensive set of documents from the state police, which forms the foundation for its case. This crucial documentation includes detailed copies of the remand reports filed by the SIT against the seven arrested persons. These reports outline the initial evidence and reasons for their judicial custody.
Key Documents Under ED Scrutiny
Beyond the remand reports, the ED will also examine other vital records to build its money laundering case. This includes all reports filed by the SIT while altering or adding charges in the criminal case as the investigation unfolded. Furthermore, the agency will analyze the First Information Statements (FIS) and the First Information Report (FIR) that set the legal process in motion.
This thorough examination of the existing case file will allow the ED to identify specific transactions, properties, and financial channels that may have been used to launder the value of the stolen gold. The focus will be on uncovering the complex web of financial dealings that often follows such high-value thefts.
Background and Implications
The scandal, which came to light earlier, revolves around the alleged loss of gold offerings made by devotees at the sacred Sabarimala temple. The SIT was formed to investigate the intricate theft, leading to multiple arrests. The involvement of the ED, a central agency, underscores the serious financial dimensions of the case and the potential inter-state or international movement of illicit funds.
The development, reported on December 19, 2025, indicates a multi-agency approach to ensure justice. While the SIT continues its criminal investigation into the actual theft and those directly involved, the ED will parallelly probe the 'dirty money' trail. This dual-track investigation increases the legal pressure on the accused and aims to recover any assets acquired through the alleged crime.
The case has drawn widespread attention in Kerala and across the country, given Sabarimala's immense religious significance and the sheer scale of the alleged offence. The upcoming ED case is expected to bring further clarity on the financial networks that may have been exploited and could potentially lead to more arrests or attachments of properties under PMLA laws.
