ED Cracks Down on Sabarimala Gold Scam: 21 Locations Raided in 3 States
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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a massive crackdown on the Sabarimala gold loss case, conducting raids at 21 locations across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. The ED's action comes in the wake of a money laundering probe, which has already led to the arrest of 11 individuals, including the chief priest of the Lord Ayyappa temple, Kandararu Rajeevaru, and businessman Unnikrishnan Potty. According to officials, the ED is investigating the proceeds of crime, including official misconduct, administrative lapses, and a possible criminal conspiracy to misappropriate gold from the temple. The case revolves around the alleged loss of gold from the gold-cladded copper plates of the Dwarapalaka idols and the door frames of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) of the temple. The ED's move comes after the Kerala high court allowed the agency to undertake an independent investigation into the case, dismissing objections from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the matter. The ED has filed a money laundering case in connection with the scam, and the SIT is investigating two cases of gold loss. The ED's raids are aimed at unearthing the truth behind the alleged gold scam and bringing those responsible to justice.
