Kerala SIT Conducts Raids in Ballari Over Sabarimala Temple Gold Theft
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Kerala executed coordinated raids in Ballari city on Saturday as part of their ongoing investigation into the alleged theft of 4.5 kilograms of gold from the sacred Sabarimala Ayyappa Swamy Temple. The high-profile case has drawn significant attention across southern India, with authorities intensifying their efforts to trace the missing precious metal.
Targeted Searches at Jewellery Business and Residence
According to investigative sources, the five-member SIT contingent conducted simultaneous searches at two key locations associated with local businessman Govardhan Roddam. The team first raided Roddam Jewellers, situated on Bengaluru Road, which is owned by Roddam. Subsequently, they proceeded to his residential property located at Parvati Nagar in the Fort area of Ballari.
During these extensive operations, officials reportedly:
- Seized multiple documents related to the business transactions and operations of Roddam Jewellers
- Collected detailed information about the financial dealings and commercial activities of the establishment
- Gathered bank account particulars belonging to Roddam's family members
- Took custody of several passbooks and financial records for further examination
Forensic Examination of Residential Property
Investigators conducted a thorough forensic examination of Roddam's residence as part of their inquiry. A notable focus of this examination was the newly constructed entrance door of the property, which officials scrutinized for potential evidence or connections to the temple theft case. The meticulous nature of this inspection underscores the seriousness with which the SIT is approaching this investigation.
Official Silence Maintained on Operation Details
Despite the significant developments, the SIT has not released any official statement regarding the specific findings or implications of the Ballari raids. Similarly, local police officials in Ballari have maintained strict confidentiality about the operation, declining to disclose any details about the searches or their potential outcomes.
This official silence has created an atmosphere of anticipation as the investigation continues to unfold. The temple gold theft case represents one of the most substantial religious property crimes in recent Kerala history, with the missing gold valued at approximately ₹25 crore based on current market rates.
The SIT's decision to extend their investigation to Ballari, located in neighboring Karnataka, suggests the probe may have interstate dimensions that authorities are actively exploring. As the investigation progresses, further developments are expected in this high-stakes case that has captured public attention across South India.
