Thu Nov 20 11:39:36 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

Former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) President A. Padmakumar, a CPI(M) member, was arrested on Thursday in Thiruvananthapuram in connection with the theft of gold from the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. The arrest follows a lengthy interrogation by a special investigation team (SIT) who have gathered evidence linking him to the crime through financial transactions and manipulated records. He is the eighth accused in the case and will be presented before the Vigilance court in Kollam.

News Article:

Ex-Temple Board Chief Arrested in Sabarimala Gold Theft Case

Thiruvananthapuram, India – November 20, 2025 – A. Padmakumar, former President of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), was arrested today in connection with the ongoing investigation into the theft of gold from the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. Padmakumar, a member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], was taken into custody in Thiruvananthapuram following a marathon interrogation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

The SIT, led by chief S. Sasidharan, alleges that Padmakumar is the eighth accused implicated in the theft of gold-plated copper panels from the temple. Sources within the SIT stated that clear evidence links Padmakumar to the other accused, including alleged misappropriation of the gold. Investigators are also scrutinizing financial transactions between Padmakumar and Unnikrishnan Potti, a key suspect. Statements from former TDB officials, including administrative officer Murari Babu and Commissioner N. Vasu, reportedly implicate Padmakumar in the crime.

Investigators believe Padmakumar had knowledge of the manipulation of official records pertaining to the temple, including misrepresenting the gold sheets as copper sheets in documentation. The SIT is now focusing on Padmakumar’s financial records for further evidence. He is expected to be presented before the Vigilance court in Kollam later today. This arrest represents a significant development in the Sabarimala gold theft case and a blow to the ruling Left Democratic Front.

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