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Sabarimala Missing Gold Case: Ex-TDB Chief A Padmakumar Booked
In the Sabarimala missing gold case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has booked former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president A Padmakumar and all board members who served in 2019 for alleged irregularities related to missing gold from the temple. Padmakumar led the TDB during that period.
The TDB, an autonomous body managing over 1,200 temples in Kerala, was scrutinized after reports of reduced weight in the gold-clad copper plates on the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols at Sabarimala. The Kerala High Court had directed a detailed probe, leading to the formation of the SIT.
The TDB Vigilance report raised concerns over Bengaluru-based businessman Unnikrishnan Potty, who sponsored several gold-cladding works at the temple despite lacking a permanent income. The report found that some works attributed to Potty were funded by other businessmen, including Govardanan from Ballari and Ajikumar from Bengaluru.
Potty had previously made donations for temple pujas, decorative works, and installations, including the lift at the Annadhana Mandapam. The Vigilance report also highlighted lapses by nine TDB officials, including former administrative and executive officers, and Deputy Devaswom Commissioner (Finance Inspection Wing), for mishandling gold-clad plates in 2019.
The SIT has begun its investigation following the Kerala High Court’s directive. Two cases have been registered concerning missing gold from the Dwarapalaka idols and the Sreekovil door frames, with Potty and several TDB officials named as accused.
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Published: Oct 12, 2025
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