Kerala’s Sabarimala temple, synonymous with devotion, is back in headlines—not for pilgrimage, but for a gold theft scandal that refuses to fade. The priest arrested in connection with the massive robbery has been admitted to the hospital following a sudden health decline.
Custodial stress took its toll as the suspect suffered acute discomfort late last night. Prison medical staff, suspecting a heart-related issue, rushed him to intensive care. Security remains watertight, with police guarding his ward around the clock.
This comes amid revelations that the priest exploited festival chaos to orchestrate the theft of priceless gold offerings accumulated over decades. The Devaswom Board, overseeing the temple, faces mounting criticism for lax oversight, prompting calls for a thorough overhaul.
Investigators have pieced together a timeline: the heist occurred during peak season, with accomplices allegedly posing as pilgrims. Seized items include melted gold bars traced to local jewelers, pointing to a sophisticated smuggling ring.
As doctors stabilize the priest, questions swirl about his fitness for further questioning. Will this delay expose more leads or allow culprits to regroup? The case tests Kerala’s law enforcement, balancing reverence for the Ayyappa shrine with the pursuit of thieves who plundered its treasures.
Beyond the crime, this episode highlights vulnerabilities in religious institutions handling immense wealth. Pilgrims, undeterred, continue their treks, but the gold’s shadow looms large over the 2024 season.
