'Impossible to enter palace evading security'; Police to quiz 'special staff' first, royal family raises doubts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Constant security presence outside the gates and CCTV cameras. It is nearly impossible to sneak inside the Kowdiar palace, evading the security apparatus. This has led the police to suspect people closely associated with the palace. The officials believe they have played a role in the theft that has left the capital city stunned.

The police are also conducting an investigation focusing on the palace staff and employees.

Even if the culprit managed to sneak inside, it is no easy task for an outsider to locate the room where the jewels were kept from the 150-room palace. The police doubt the thieves are outsiders who might have received help from the palace. Statements of those working in connection with the palace and visitors will be recorded. A special police team will be assigned for the investigation. Only the most valuable jewellery, kept in a safe cupboard in the bedroom, was stolen. Officials say that the thief had a clear idea of the room and location, so the plan was executed meticulously.

The police will examine the CCTV cameras in the palace. They are also investigating details of those people who are allowed entry to the palace. Apart from the security staff, there are 15 employees in the palace. They are under police surveillance. Fingerprint experts and a dog squad will visit the palace to collect more evidence. They will also investigate those who have visited the palace recently. Their statements will be recorded.

Although the theft was discovered in November, the complaint was filed only on Sunday. The police will also investigate whether there is any mystery behind the palace not filing a complaint for so long. However, Aswathy Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi told the police that the complaint was delayed as most members believed that the jewel was likely misplaced or within the palace itself.

Not all palace staff are allowed entry to Gowri Lakshmi Bayi’s room. Only a few are allowed to enter to clean the room. The police have decided to record their statements first. Meanwhile, it is reported that the family has doubts about those behind the theft.

The police suspect that the thieves may be from outside, who might have received help from those within the palace.

Stolen jewels:

• A gold medal and chain (one piece) with the image of Padmanabhaswamy engraved on it. Orange coral and gold pearl mixed chain

• A gold foot bracelet in a jasmine bud design, a foot bracelet in a black pearl and gold pearl mix

• Two wide leaf design bangles, 2 gold rings

• Two large earrings with a red stone stud

• A gold medallion with two green enamel leaves and white enamel conch shells, a gold chain, and a gold necklace

• An emerald-studded nagapadam earring, necklace and pendant worth eight lakh rupees, gold earrings with leaf design

• Two wide Ozhukkan bangles studded with rubies and diamonds, 5 Kuthirapavan coins