THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a shocking turn of events, a high-level police investigation has revealed that valuable assets, including gold and diamonds, are frequently disappearing from the historic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala. Highlighting an “extremely grave situation,” the State Police Chief (DGP) has submitted an official report to the Home Secretary urging immediate government intervention.
The alarming security breach came to light following an initial report by the State Intelligence Chief. A copy of the DGP’s letter detailing the security lapse has been leaked and broadcast by local media outlet Manorama News.
Key Findings: Missing Treasures and Data Gaps
According to the police report, several priceless items kept inside and around the temple’s sanctum sanctorum are missing or unaccounted for:
- The Missing ‘Vaira Namam’: The sacred diamond-studded ornament (‘Vaira Namam’), which is strictly kept inside the sanctum sanctorum, has been missing for some time. While official temple records claim it was taken for maintenance six months ago, its current location remains unknown.
- Shortfall in Donated Gold: A recent audit revealed a deficit of approximately 78 grams in the gold ornaments and items donated directly by devotees.
- Unreturned Golden Lamp: A precious gold lamp was officially logged out six months ago under the pretext of repair and maintenance work. It has still not been returned to the temple premises.
To safeguard the remaining multi-billion dollar treasure complex of the ancient temple, the DGP has proposed a strict, non-negotiable security protocol to the state government.
Mandatory Security Directives Proposed by the DGP:
- Immediate Strong Room Relocation: All gold and silver items currently kept outside the traditional underground vaults must be documented and shifted to high-security strong rooms immediately.
- Police Guard for Devotee Donations: Every single item or monetary asset donated by devotees must be moved directly into secure lockers under active police surveillance.
- Zero-Tolerance Access Control: No individual, regardless of rank or status, is to be permitted entry into the temple complex without passing a rigorous security screening.
The state police department has requested the government to intervene dynamically and implement these security policies without delay, as public anxiety grows over the safety of the centuries-old temple treasure.
