Police Investigate Suspected Gold Thefts at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Following Suspicious Reports
Massive security lapses and suspected thefts of priceless valuables at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple have been revealed in a high-level police intelligence report. The investigation, led by Additional Director General of Police S. Sreejith, highlights the alarming disappearance of nearly 78 grams of gold bars and coins donated by devotees. Moreover, a multi-tiered gold lamp has not been returned after being taken for maintenance, replaced instead by a silver substitute without proper records. The temple’s sacred ‘Vaira Nama’ diamond ornament has also been unaccounted for following its removal for repair work six months prior.
The report indicates significant protocol evasion at the Chembakathummoodu entrance, where certain temple employees, security personnel, and individuals closely associated with the erstwhile royal family have bypassed mandatory security screenings. Notably, several high-profile individuals, including local businessmen, have reportedly received unrestricted access to the temple. This raises concerns about the integrity of its security measures and the potential for collusion in the misappropriation of temple assets.
In light of these findings, the police have recommended urgent measures to safeguard the remaining valuables. Key recommendations include relocating all gold, silver, and other items currently stored outside the main vaults to a centralized strong room. Additionally, the report insists on the establishment of stricter documentation procedures for devotee offerings, mandating their placement in secure lockers under police surveillance. A zero-tolerance policy for security bypasses is critical, with enforcement measures requiring that every individual undergo standard screening before entering temple grounds.

