In a major development in the Sabarimala gold robbery case, former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president A. Padmakumar was arrested on Thursday. The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of gold intended for temple ornaments.
According to reports, former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president A. Padmakumar appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for questioning on Thursday morning (November 20, 2025).
Padmakumar headed the TDB in 2019, when the board considered a proposal to hand over the gold-plated copper sheets from the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols and the Sreekovil door frames to the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, for electroplating. While Padmakumar has insisted that he was not president at the time the plates were actually transferred, investigators maintain that the proposal itself was processed during his tenure, as per a report on PTI.
Officials revealed that Padmakumar had twice been summoned for questioning earlier this month but requested extensions. He eventually appeared after receiving a fresh notice, according to an officer.
A senior CPI(M) leader from Pathanamthitta district, Padmakumar has also represented the Konni constituency in the Kerala Legislative Assembly. Police sources said he will be produced before the Vigilance Court in Kollam for remand proceedings.
In a parallel development, the Vigilance Court in Kollam on Thursday remanded N. Vasu, who succeeded Padmakumar as TDB president in 2019, to SIT custody until evening. The SIT had sought his custody for a day to continue interrogation, and the court granted permission until 4 pm.
What Is Sabarimala Gold Theft Case?
The development comes amid the ongoing probe into the Sabarimala gold theft case, which centres on the alleged misappropriation of gold-plated copper sheets and ornaments from the sanctum sanctorum of the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa temple. The SIT has already arrested multiple senior TDB officials in connection with the suspected fraud, with Padmakumar emerging as one of the most high-profile figures to face scrutiny.
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