Police report flags suspected gold thefts at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

A high-level police intelligence report has exposed massive security lapses and suspected thefts of priceless valuables at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple. A report, prepared by Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) S. Sreejith on behalf of the State Police Chief in this regard, has been officially submitted to the Home department for further action.

According to the official communication, recent inquiries have raised grave concerns regarding the temple’s treasury management. The primary findings detail that nearly 78 grams of gold bars and coins, donated to the shrine as offerings by devotees, have gone missing recently.

Besides, a multi-tiered gold lamp, which was removed from the temple premises under the guise of maintenance, has not been returned and was instead replaced by a silver substitute without official records. Compounding the crisis, the sacred ‘Vaira Nama’, an invaluable diamond ornament that was traditionally installed inside the inner sanctum sanctorum, has been missing for the last six months after being purportedly taken away for repair works.

Protocol evasion

The inquiry has also unearthed a pattern of security protocol evasion at the Chembakathummoodu entrance of the temple. The report explicitly states that specific temple employees, security staff and associates of the erstwhile royal family have been bypassing mandatory security screenings.

The report adds that the individuals who are “reportedly close to a member of the royal family” are known to visit the Kowdiar Palace regularly. It also names several high-profile persons, including local businessmen, who are given a free pass at the temple.

Based on the findings, the police headquarters has recommended immediate action to secure the remaining valuables. The recommendations call for transferring all gold, silver and other valuables that are presently stored in areas outside the main vaults, such as the treasurer’s office and vehicle sheds, to a centralised strong room.

Besides, all devotee offerings must be properly documented and stored in a designated locker with strict police surveillance. The report also calls for a zero-tolerance policy on security bypasses, and enforcing that each person must undergo standard screening before entering the temple premises.