Former TDB chief P S Prasanth denied bail in Sabarimala gold theft case

A Vigilance court in Kollam has denied bail to former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president P S Prasanth in connection with the alleged loss of gold from the Sabarimala temple's Dwarapalaka sculptures. While Prasanth remains in custody, the court granted bail to former board member A Ajikumar, citing his medical condition.

Both individuals were arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on July 23. According to SIT remand submissions, Prasanth and other board members sanctioned a 2024 decision to restore the deity sculptures. The investigation alleges that despite warnings from the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner regarding the lack of appropriate technology at the private firm Smart Creations to salvage existing gold, pressure was applied to proceed with the work using the firm.

Prasanth, who led the TDB from 2023 to 2025, is listed as the 17th accused in the case.