ED to start investigation in Sabarimala gold theft case, begins collecting data 

KOCHI: The central agency Enforcement Directorate (ED) is arriving to investigate the Sabarimala gold theft case. The ED has started collecting preliminary information in the case. Meantime, the devaswom vigilance has demanded action against the devaswom board. The report submitted by the devaswom vigilance to the high court on the gold theft in Sabarimala casts doubt on the devaswom board.

Meanwhile, the devaswom board administrative committee led by A Padmakumar, who was the president in 2019, has also been arraigned in the gold theft case. In the second FIR registered by the special investigation team, the administrative committee comprising Padmakumar and former devaswom board members K P Sankaradas and K Raghavan have been listed as the accused. They are the eighth accused. However, no one's name is mentioned in the FIR. The FIR says the board members were informed about the removal of the door frames. The gold was removed with the knowledge of the board members. The FIR also states that the accused conspired to cause losses to the board.

Meantime, Padmakumar's response is that he has not done anything illegal and that he is not aware of the register of the FIR. He said that he will respond where he needs to respond. 'I was not the Devaswom President when the Thazhikkudam was taken away. We have not done anything wrong. We will deal with the case legally. If the court says that we are guilty, we are ready to accept any punishment. The game played by many including the opposition leader has now surfaced. Let the rest be investigated. Nothing illegal or against customs and traditions has happened during my board's tenure. A reply will be given in the court,’ said Padmakumar.