Sabarimala gold theft case: PS Prasanth to be included in accused list, SIT with decisive move

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) decided to include former Travancore Devaswom president P.S. Prasanth as an accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case. The new SIT has decided to include the administrative committee, including Prasanth, in the accused list following suspicions of a conspiracy in the replacement of the Dwarapalaka (guardian deities) layer in 2025.

The investigation team submitted a detailed report to the High Court, doubting mystery in the transfer of the gold layers and confirmed that the previous administrative committee had committed serious lapses. It has been decided to include three more members of the administrative committee, including Prasanth, as accused. Devaswom board members Ajikumar and Santosh will also be included in the accused list.

The SIT investigation revealed that the Dwarapalaka sculptures and Kattilapalli (gold-clad door frame) were given for gold plating in 2025 without taking the permission of the High Court. The investigation team suspects a specific conspiracy behind this. Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, Thiruvabharanam Commissioner Rajilal, and Devaswom Secretary Bindu will also be included in the list of accused.

The High Court had earlier clarified that the Sabarimala gold theft case cannot be extended indefinitely. The High Court also asked for a comprehensive investigation report to be submitted by the 29th of this month. Therefore, the investigation team is moving to file a case against them and submit the report before then. The SIT is preparing to add more new accused based on the discovery that the Dwarapalaka sculptures and Kattilapalli were given for gold plating with the full knowledge of the administrative committee.