Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT names former Devaswom Board president P S Prasanth as accused

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has named former Travancore Devaswom Board president P. S. Prasanth and members of the board who were part of his tenure as accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case. They have been included in the accused list in connection with alleged irregularities related to the gold plating of the Dwarapalaka idols.

The SIT’s action comes after it found that the alleged gold theft in 2025 was a continuation of the conspiracy that began in 2019. The accused have been charged with offences including breach of trust, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.

There are currently two cases related to the Sabarimala gold theft. One involves the alleged removal of gold from the door frames, while the other relates to the gold-plated Dwarapalaka idols. The SIT is now planning to register a third case. Apart from P. S. Prasanth and members of the board during his tenure, the accused include Smart Creations owner Pankaj Bhandari, former Sabarimala tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, and Thiruvabharanam Commissioner Rajilal.

This is the second instance in which a former Devaswom Board president and members of the board from that period have been named as accused in the case. Earlier, the SIT had named former Devaswom Board president Padmakumar and members of the board during his tenure as accused. The SIT informed the High Court that the accused list would be expanded further. The investigation team has also submitted a report before the High Court containing crucial details related to the probe into the alleged gold theft in 2025.