The Kollam Vigilance Court has permitted the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to obtain certified records related to the Sabarimala gold theft case, a move that could open the door for a central agency probe and pose political discomfort for the LDF government.
The court directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is currently investigating the case, to provide the ED with copies of FIRs, First Information Statements, remand documents, statements of the accused, and seized materials. The ED argued that the inclusion of IPC Section 467 in the case brings it under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, justifying its involvement.
Initially, the ED had approached the Ranni magistrate court seeking these documents, but the request was denied. The agency then moved the Kerala High Court, which set aside the Ranni court’s order and advised the ED to file its plea before the trial court. By then, the case had been transferred to the Kollam Vigilance Court.
The SIT opposed the ED’s request, contending that since a state-level probe is already underway, a parallel investigation by the ED should not be permitted.
So far, seven individuals, including two CPM leaders, have been arrested in connection with the gold theft. With the 2026 Assembly elections approaching, the ED’s possible entry into the case is seen as a potential challenge for the ruling CPM-led LDF.
