Jewellery worth over Rs 2 cr stolen from Kowdiar Palace; probe launched

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 15: A probe has been launched after jewellery worth over Rs two crore was allegedly stolen from Kowdiar Palace here, police said on Sunday. Peroorkada police registered a case on Saturday following a complaint filed by senior royal family member Aswathi Thirunal Gouri Bhayi. According to the FIR, the theft is suspected to have taken place between October and November 2025 from an almirah in Gouri’ Bhayi’s bedroom.

Police said around 12 pieces of jewellery, including chains and rings weighing over 40 sovereigns of gold and studded with precious stones, were missing. The value of the ornaments is believed to be higher due to their antique nature, as they were inherited by members of the royal family, police said. Officials said the palace authorities had conducted an internal probe after the ornaments were found missing, later confirmed the theft, and reported the matter to the police.

Police visited the palace on Saturday, recorded Gouri Bhayi’s statement and registered a case. The case was registered under Section 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for theft. A team led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police has begun the investigation. Police are also examining CCTV footage from the palace and recording statements of employees as part of the probe, an officer said. Kowdiar Palace is the official residence of the Travancore royal family, which ruled a vast portion of central and southern Kerala until Independence.  The royal family is yet to respond to the incident.