Sabarimala Gold Theft Case: Former Devaswom Board Chief P S Prasanth Arrested, Taken To Crime Branch Office

Thiruvananthapuram: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold scam has arrested former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president P S Prasanth. He was taken into custody from his residence in Karakulam, near here, on Thursday morning and subsequently taken to the Crime Branch office for detailed interrogation.

The arrest marks the first in the Sabarimala gold theft case since the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government assumed office in the state. The SIT is expected to question Prasanth in detail regarding the decisions taken during his tenure and his alleged role in the controversial gold-plating work involving the Sabarimala Dwarapalaka sculptures.

Prasanth, who served as the final president of the TDB during the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, had anticipated police action.

Earlier on Thursday morning, he posted a statement on Facebook claiming that his arrest was imminent. He alleged that the action was the result of political pressure from the government, while stating that he would fully cooperate with the court-monitored proceedings. He also said he would expose what he described as the political motives behind the action.

The case revolves around allegations of serious irregularities carried out under the guise of gold-plating work.

In 2025, the Dwarapalaka (gold-cladded idols) sculptures at hill shrine were transported to Smart Creations in Chennai for gold plating. The decision was reportedly approved by the TDB headed by Prasanth, with A Ajikumar as a member.

According to the investigation team, the 2025 relocation of the sculptures is being examined as part of a larger alleged conspiracy linked to the original gold scam of 2019. Investigators suspect that 'sponsor' Unnikrishnan Potti, an aid to the main priest, allegedly in collusion with temple officials, played a key role in the developments.

The investigation is also examining whether the TDB followed proper procedures before permitting the removal and gold-plating of the sculptures. A major question before the investigators is why fresh gold-plating work was undertaken despite the reported existence of a 40-year warranty on the earlier gold coating.

The latest action follows a detailed report submitted before the Kerala High Court by the SIT probing the 2019 case. The report reportedly pointed to alleged administrative lapses involving Prasanth and others.

The Kerala High Court special Devaswom bench had directed the investigation team to examine the developments surrounding the 2025 gold-plating work as part of the existing 2019 case rather than registering a separate case.

The SIT is also expected to question former TDB member Ajikumar and Thiruvabharanam Commissioner Rajilal. 'Sponsor' Unnikrishnan Potti, Pankaj Bhandari, Sabarimala senior tantri (priest) Kandararu Rajeevaru and Executive Officer Murari Babu are also likely to come under the scanner as the investigation progresses. Among these, Murari who was on bail, passed away in June.

With Prasanth now arrested and being interrogated at the Crime Branch office, investigators are expected to focus on the decision-making process behind the 2025 gold-plating exercise and whether there was a deliberate attempt to conceal or facilitate irregularities connected with the earlier case.

More arrests are likely as the probe expands.

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