ED Conducts Search Operations Across Kerala, Tamil Nadu And Karnataka

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) today conducted search operations at 21 locations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002. 

The search operation was conducted in connection with the misappropriation of gold and other temple assets relating to Sabarimala Temple.

The investigation arises out of multiple FIRs registered by the Kerala Crime Branch, which reveal a deep-rooted criminal conspiracy involving officials of



the Travancore Devaswom Board, private individuals, intermediaries and jewellers. 

Preliminary investigation has disclosed that gold-clad sacred artefacts were deliberately misrepresented as copper plates in official records and unlawfully removed from the temple premises during the period 2019-2025. 

The gold was allegedly extracted through chemical processes at private facilities in Chennai and Karnataka, generating proceeds of crime which were retained, transferred and concealed.