Police Investigate Rs 2 Crore Theft at Kowdiar Palace

Police in Thiruvananthapuram have launched an investigation into the theft of antique gold jewellery and other valuables worth approximately Rs 2 crore from Kowdiar Palace, the residence of the erstwhile Travancore royal family. The incident, suspected to have occurred between October and November 2025, was formally reported to authorities on March 13, 2026, prompting the registration of a case under Section 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for theft.

The complaint was filed by Aswathi Thirunal Gouri Lakshmi Bayi, a senior member of the royal family, who discovered the missing items from a locked iron cupboard in her second-floor bedroom. Among the stolen pieces were around 12 types of heirloom ornaments, including gold chains, necklaces, bangles, anklets, earrings, and pendants, many studded with precious stones like rubies, diamonds, and emeralds. Specific items listed in the complaint include a Naga Padam necklace and earrings set valued at about Rs 8 lakh, broad bangles with leaf designs totaling around 4 sovereigns of gold, and five gold coins each weighing one sovereign and featuring horse motifs. Police officials noted that the true value could exceed the initial...