Following the Kerala High Court’s observations regarding alleged misappropriation of gold extracted from items at Sabarimala temple, the Crime Branch has registered a criminal case.

As per the court’s direction, the case will be probed by a special investigation team.

The FIR named sponsor Unnikrishnan Potty, who has emerged as a key figure in the scandal; CPI(M) leader A Padmakumar, who had served as president of Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) in 2019; two former board members; and nine TDB officials as the accused. The case was registered under charges of theft, conspiracy and criminal breach of trust. The TDB is a state government-run body that manages the temple.

Based on the report of the temple vigilance and security officer, the High Court had found that in 2019, gold-clad plate

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