ED to collate data from raids in Sabarimala gold theft case, probe to move to next stage soon

PATHANAMTHITTA: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has said that serious irregularities were found in the raids codenamed 'Operation Golden Shadow’ conducted yesterday in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case. The ED is in the process of collating the seized documents and initiating in-depth investigations. The ED has received documents of several financial transactions suspected to be related to the case. Electronic devices including laptops have been seized. The investigating officers are trying to complete the scientific tests of these as soon as possible. After collating the information, they will move to the next stage of the investigation. Steps such as confiscation of the properties of the accused and freezing of bank accounts may also be taken in the next stage.

'Operation Golden Shadow' is one of the biggest raids conducted in recent times. Raids were conducted at 21 places simultaneously. The devaswom board headquarters was also searched. 110 ED officers participated in the raids held in three states - Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Meantime, the high court will deliver the verdict today on the bail pleas of three accused in the case, including A Padmakumar. Apart from Padmakumar, the verdict is expected on the bail plea of accused Murari Babu and Govardhan. The verdict will be delivered by a bench of Justice A Badaruddin. Unnikrishnan Potty was granted bail yesterday in the case of stealing gold from Dwarapala idols. However, Unnikrishnan Potty will remain in jail as he has not been granted bail in the door frame case.