YouTubers and foreigners included in new list; Crime Branch likely to take over Kowdiar Palace theft case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Police suspect that the gold ornaments worth Rs two crore, including precious stones, were stolen from the Kowdiar Palace over several days. Only the ornaments kept in the locker on one side of the cupboard in Aswathy Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi's bedroom on the second floor were lost. Although there were ornaments in the other room as well, they were left untouched. Police suspect that people with good knowledge of the area are behind the theft.

Meanwhile, the investigation may be handed over to the Crime Branch after the Peroorkada police conduct a preliminary investigation and record the statement. A Crime Branch investigation is appropriate since antique jewellery has been lost. There are indications that the value of the stolen jewellery might increase after a detailed assessment.

A review meeting was held under the leadership of the City Police Commissioner in the incident. A team led by the DCP visited the palace and recorded statements from the family members. A few employees were also questioned. As soon as the complaint was received, the female civil police officer at the Peroorkada station went to the palace and recorded Aswathy Thirunal's preliminary statement. A detailed statement was taken yesterday.

Aswathy Thirunal testified that she realised that the jewellery was missing when she opened the cupboard before leaving for Bengaluru in November 2025. The jewellery that the former King Chithira Thirunal had gifted to her was also missing.

The questioning of the palace staff will continue today. Visitors, including foreigners, will also be questioned. There are four families in the palace. There are also about 40 employees. The police mainly suspect the employees. Meanwhile, the palace authorities have asked the police not to detain or harass the employees.

The police have prepared a list of all visitors to the palace in October and November. The list also includes YouTubers. Foreigners who visited the palace during this period.