Police report flags suspected gold thefts at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

A high-level police intelligence report has revealed major security lapses at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple and suspected theft of priceless valuables. In this regard, a report prepared by Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) S. Sreejith on behalf of the State Police Chief was formally submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs for further action.

According to official communications, recent investigations have raised serious concerns regarding the temple’s treasury management. Preliminary findings detail that around 78 grams of gold bars and coins donated by devotees to the shrine as offerings went missing recently.

Additionally, the multilayered gold lamp removed from the temple under the guise of maintenance was not returned and was replaced with a silver one, without official records. Making the crisis worse, the sacred ‘Vaira Nama’, a priceless diamond ornament traditionally placed inside the inner sanctum, has been missing for the last six months after it was allegedly taken away for repair work.

Protocol hijacking

The investigation also revealed a pattern of security protocol smuggling at the Chembakathummoodu entrance of the temple. The report clearly states that certain temple employees, security personnel and associates of the former royal family bypassed mandatory security screenings.

People “reportedly close to a member of the royal family” are known to regularly visit Kowdiar Palace, the report said. Also mentioned are the names of several high-profile people, including local businessmen, who were given free entry to the temple.

Based on the findings, the police station recommended immediate action to secure any remaining valuables. The proposals call for all gold, silver and other valuables currently stored in areas other than main vaults, such as the treasurer’s office and vehicle storage rooms, to be transferred to a central vault room.

Additionally, all offerings made by devotees need to be properly documented and kept in a designated locker under strict police surveillance. The report also calls for a zero-tolerance policy on security clearances and requiring every person to undergo standard screening before entering the temple premises.