A Crime Branch team led by Inspector General of Police S. Sreejith visited the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple as part of an inquiry into the alleged theft of eight diamonds forming part of the naamam (tilak) of the idol in the temple.
The sleuths’ visit was for collecting evidence as part of expediting the inquiry. District Judge K. Harilal and the newly appointed executive officer V. Rateeshan were present when the Crime Branch team visited the temple. Mr. Sreejith held discussions with the temple authorities and had a look into the tilak, sources said.
The alleged theft had figured in the Supreme Court recently. The temple’s outgoing executive officer K.N. Satheesh had reported the missing of diamonds used in daily rituals and kept in cellars near the sanctum sanctorum in May. The alleged theft was discovered when the temple treasurer checked the valuables.