ED steps in to investigate Sabarimala gold scam, moves vigilance court

Thiruvananthapuram: Paving the way for a central investigation into the Sabarimala gold scam case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has stepped in with plans to launch a detailed probe into the episode As part of the move, the central agency is set to file an application before the Kollam Vigilance Court, where the case has been transferred following the inclusion of provisions under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Once the required documents are obtained, the ED plans to register an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) and investigate the suspected black money transactions linked to the case.

With this development, the central agency is preparing to make an entry into yet another politically sensitive case that has already placed the Kerala government and LDF under intense pressure, particularly at a time when Kerala is gearing up for the local body and Assembly elections.

Earlier, the ED had approached the Ranni Magistrate Court seeking a copy of the FIR in the gold theft case immediately after the Crime Branch registered the case. However, the court dismissed the request, stating that the FIR could not be shared at that stage since the investigation was being conducted under the supervision of the Kerala High Court. The agency now plans to file an appeal against that order.

The High Court had earlier directed a detailed probe into various aspects of the case, including the suspected involvement of international antique smuggling rackets. The ED believes the case has significant potential to uncover large-scale black money operations.