The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Kochi has taken strong action against the Sabarimala gold theft by registering an ECIR under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This move came after the Union government gave its consent to open the case. The investigation is politically sensitive and is already in the hands of a special investigation team (SIT) under Kerala High Court oversight. So far, 12 people have been arrested in connection with the case. A senior officer of Joint Director rank will head the ED's probe. All suspects named in the cases handled by the state agencies may also face charges in the ED investigation, with more names expected to be added. Initially, the State Crime Branch had filed two cases relating to gold stolen from temple idols and the door frame. Due to widespread political uproar, the matter was handed over to the High Court-appointed SIT. The ED began preliminary inquiries in October last year when signs of money laundering appeared. The agency petitioned the Kollam Vigilance Court to get custody of documents related to the case. It argued that forgery, theft of temple gold, and suspected money laundering fell under Section 467 of the Indian Penal Code, a scheduled offence under PMLA. The ED claimed it had reasonable grounds to believe that the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, and others had possession of crime proceeds. It also assured full confidentiality of the documents. Despite opposition from the SIT, the court allowed the ED to access the documents. After examining these, the ED sought and obtained Centre's permission to register its own case. Investigators now plan to record statements from all accused, including Mr. Potti.