Theft at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple; people associated with temple behind act, say police

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police have concluded that people connected with the temple are behind the theft at the famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple. The police have obtained the crucial CCTV footages. An examination found that the locker has not been broken. The Fort police said the theft is not related to the gold stored in the vaults. Gold of 13 sovereigns kept in the locker of the temple administration committee were stolen.

Work is underway to replace the old gold plate on the front door of the shrine with a new one. It was noticed that one of the gold rods was missing when the work, which was temporarily suspended on Wednesday, resumed yesterday. The police and temple security personnel conducted an inspection throughout the day but could not find it. The gold for construction purposes in the temple is kept in the strong room. Executive Officer B Mahesh said the gold is weighed when it is taken out for work and kept back. ‘

There are three doors in front of the Ananthasayana idol in the shrine to touch the head, body and feet. The work of replacing the old gold plate of the door on the first nada with a new one is underway. For this, the gold kept in the strong room was taken out. After Wednesday's work, the gold was weighed and moved to the room. When the gold taken out was weighed to continue the work yesterday morning, it was discovered that the rod was missing. The missing gold rod is made of cadmium to attach the gold plate. The work on the door was being done in the Ottakkal Mandapam in front of the shrine. The temple premises, including the work site, are under surveillance by CCTV cameras.