ED Conducts Multi-State Raids in Sabarimala Gold Theft Money Laundering Probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted coordinated raids at 21 locations across Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu on January 20, 2026, investigating alleged money laundering linked to the Sabarimala gold theft case. The probe targets officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board, private individuals, and jewellers accused of misappropriating about 4.5 kg of gold from temple artefacts between 2019 and 2025. The Kerala High Court-ordered Special Investigation Team (SIT) is concurrently probing the case, with forensic analysis by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre confirming systematic replacement of original gold plates with copper replicas. The investigation involves multiple arrests, including temple officials and political figures, and focuses on tracing illicit funds and assets.