India, Jan. 20 -- New Delhi [India], January 20 (ANI) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday carried out searches at 21 locations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in connection with the misappropriation of gold and other temple assets relating to Sabarimala Temple, officials said.

The raids are underway from early morning by the ED's Kochi zonal office teams under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

According to officials, the investigation arises from multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) registered by the Kerala crime branch, which reveal a "deep-rooted criminal conspiracy involving officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board, private individuals, intermediaries and jewellers."

The ED...