BALLARI: The Kerala Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Wednesday carried out a major raid at Roddam Jewels in Ballari, intensifying the probe into the high-profile theft of 4.5 kg of gold from the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple.
A five-member SIT team sealed the premises and conducted a thorough search, examining records and questioning staff members.
Govardhan, the owner of Roddam Jewels, had previously been arrested in connection with the case. The SIT officials allege that he had purchased around 4,500 grams of the stolen gold, further implicating local jewellers in the investigation.
The case dates back to 2019, when Unnikrishnan, who was entrusted with gold-plating the guardian idols at the temple, returned them with a noticeable discrepancy in the gold weight. This discrepancy triggered a detailed investigation, which has now widened to include local jewellery shops suspected of involvement.
During Wednesday’s operation, the SIT meticulously scrutinised the shop’s financial records and stock registers, while over 10 employees were questioned to ascertain the flow of the allegedly stolen gold.
Authorities have also extended the probe to Govardhan’s residence, seizing documents and other potential evidence to strengthen the ongoing case and its second raid conducted on Roddam Jewels after Govardhan was arrested.
Sources in the Police Department said the investigation is being conducted as per court directions and is aimed at uncovering the entire chain of the gold theft.
This marks the second raid on Roddam Jewels. The shop remained closed throughout the operation, and officials stated that further actions could follow based on the evidence collected. The SIT’s intensified focus on Ballari jewellers comes amid growing public scrutiny of the temple theft, which has drawn widespread attention across Kerala.