Kadakampally Surendran was questioned by the SIT on last Saturday, 27 December, in his capacity as the Devaswom Minister at the time of the alleged theft.
Published Dec 30, 2025 | 4:38 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 30, 2025 | 4:38 PM
Gold-plated sanctum sanctorum of Sabarimala.
Synopsis: Sources close to the probe said the questioning focused on administrative decisions and oversight related to the Devaswom Board during the period when gold meant for Sabarimala was allegedly misappropriated. Speaking later, Kadakampally said the SIT had sought clarifications from him and that he had responded to all questions promptly.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the high-profile Sabarimala gold theft case has intensified its probe, questioning former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran and widening the investigation to alleged antiquities smuggling links stretching beyond Kerala.
Kadakampally Surendran was questioned by the SIT on last Saturday, 27 December, in his capacity as the Devaswom Minister at the time of the alleged theft.
Sources close to the probe said the questioning focused on administrative decisions and oversight related to the Devaswom Board during the period when gold meant for Sabarimala was allegedly misappropriated. Speaking later, Kadakampally said the SIT had sought clarifications from him and that he had responded to all questions promptly.
Former Travancore Devaswom Board president PS Prashanth was also questioned as part of the ongoing investigation. The investigation took a sharper turn with statements that further entangle former Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar, who is already under arrest.
According to sources, the SIT has recorded the statement of former board member N. Vijayakumar, who reportedly told investigators that he acted solely on Padmakumar’s instructions.
Vijayakumar allegedly stated that it was Padmakumar who placed the proposal to change the gold plating before the board and that the president took all key decisions. He claimed that he signed documents without even reading them, trusting the leadership, and did not anticipate any wrongdoing.
In an emotional disclosure, Vijayakumar reportedly told the SIT that he was under severe pressure and had even contemplated suicide.
The SIT has also stepped up questioning of Dindigul-based businessman D. Mani and his associate Balamurugan at the Crime Branch office in Inchakkal, Thiruvananthapuram. ADGP H. Venkatesh reached the SIT office to directly oversee the questioning.
Balamurugan’s wife was also present at the office on Saturday. Investigators had earlier travelled to Dindigul and recorded Mani’s statement. Mani reportedly told the SIT that he did not know individuals such as Unnikrishnan Potty and claimed he had merely visited Sabarimala.
However, the SIT was not convinced and summoned him again for detailed questioning.
Mani’s arrival in Thiruvananthapuram and his visit to the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple are now being scrutinised. The probe has gained a new dimension after an expatriate businessman told the SIT that a group, allegedly including Mani, was involved in smuggling Panchaloha idols, with the proceeds being handed over in Thiruvananthapuram.
However, despite weeks of investigation, the failure to recover the stolen gold and other suspected stolen artefacts has put the SIT under mounting pressure. Investigators are now focusing on possible inter-state links and the alleged trafficking of antiquities, treating the gold theft as part of a larger network rather than an isolated incident.
With senior political figures, Devaswom Board officials, and businessmen now under the scanner, the Sabarimala gold theft case is gaining new dimensions.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
