A recent incident at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram has sparked an investigation into the alleged theft of approximately 100 grams of gold. The missing gold, equivalent to around 12 pavan (approximately 96 grams), was reportedly intended for gold plating work within the temple.
Temple authorities discovered the discrepancy after the gold was taken out for further work. The gold had been secured in a locker following its last use two days prior. Upon noticing the missing amount, temple officials filed a complaint with the police, prompting an immediate investigation.
Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage in an effort to identify any potential suspects and determine the circumstances surrounding the disappearance. An officer from the Fort police station confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.
In a separate incident at the same temple, a gold rod weighing 107 grams, used for soldering purposes, has also gone missing from the strongroom. The disappearance was noticed on Saturday morning when work resumed on the Sreekovil door, which has been under maintenance since May 7. The gold components on the temple door had been temporarily removed to facilitate the ongoing repair work.
According to temple executive officer Mahesh, all such activities are carried out under strict police supervision, and the materials are securely returned to the strongroom after use. He added that the item might have gone missing while being transported in a cloth bag to the Mandapam, where the work is being carried out. The police have launched an investigation and are examining CCTV footage to trace the missing item. The gold rod is estimated to be worth around 13.5 sovereigns.