Former TDB President A Padmakumar’s Passport Seized in Sabarimala Gold Heist Probe

Pathanamthitta: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has seized the passport of A Padmakumar, former President of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), who was recently arrested in connection with the Sabarimala gold heist case. The seizure occurred during a raid conducted at his residence in Aranmula. This development marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into the high-profile theft.

The SIT’s primary focus for the investigation is now centered on Padmakumar’s travel history. Authorities are specifically looking into whether Padmakumar had traveled abroad alongside Unnikrishnan Potti, another key figure implicated in the case. In addition to his passport, the income tax details of both Padmakumar and his wife have been confiscated and are currently under thorough scrutiny by the investigative team.

Further investigations are also slated to examine the assets held by Padmakumar and his spouse. The SIT has already uncovered that land is registered in his wife’s name, adding another layer to the financial probe.

Padmakumar’s arrest in the Sabarimala gold heist took place on November 20, making him the sixth individual to be apprehended in connection with the crime. He is a prominent Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader in the district and a former Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Konni.

The investigation team believes that Padmakumar provided extensive assistance to Unnikrishnan Potti in orchestrating the gold heist. Furthermore, the SIT has gathered intelligence indicating that there were financial dealings between Potti and Padmakumar.

Crucially, statements from all individuals previously arrested in the Sabarimala gold heist case have implicated Padmakumar. Accused parties, including Murari Babu and N Vasu, have provided testimonies asserting that the directive to convert the stolen gold into copper was issued by Padmakumar himself. This collective testimony strengthens the case against the former TDB President as the probe continues.