Thiruvananthapuram: Tucked away in the heart of Kerala’s capital, Kowdiar Palace stands as a majestic emblem of Travancore’s glorious royal legacy — its ornate halls echoing centuries of history and grandeur. Yet, behind its imposing walls and layers of security, a audacious high-value theft has unfolded, turning the palace into the epicentre of a baffling mystery shrouded in silence.
In March 2026, the palace made headlines when senior royal family member Aswathi Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi reported the disappearance of around 12 pieces of antique gold ornaments, diamond-studded jewellery, and precious heirlooms valued at nearly ₹2 crore. The items—hereditary family treasures, some gifted by Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma and others featuring rare antique designs or brought from abroad—were stored in an iron cupboard/almirah inside a private bedroom.
Specific details of the missing items (as per the FIR inventory) include:
· An orange coral-and-gold chain weighing about half a sovereign.
· A pair of gold anklets with “pichipoo bud” design weighing around three sovereigns.
· Another pair of anklets set with black stones and gold elements, weighing about two sovereigns.
· Two broad gold bangles with leaf motifs weighing around four sovereigns.
· Two twisted/spiral gold bangles weighing about three sovereigns.
· A set of large ear ornaments studded with red stones, along with a gold nose stud.
· A gold pendant with a twisted chain featuring green enamel leaves and a white enamel conch design (weighing about 2.5 sovereigns).
· A gold necklace weighing around five sovereigns.
· A ‘nagapada’ necklace set with green stones, along with its pendant and matching earrings (estimated at about ₹8 lakh).
· Other items such as precious stone-studded ornaments and a pendant engraved with Lord Sree Padmanabha Swamy’s image.
Notably, expensive diamond ornaments in the same cupboard were left untouched, suggesting the thief knew exactly what to target. The disappearance was allegedly noticed as early as November 2025 (possibly October), before the complainant’s travel to Bengaluru. The family conducted an internal search before filing a formal complaint with Peroorkada Police.
The palace is equipped with CCTV surveillance and guarded by a private security agency. However, investigators noted the absence of forced entry and the thief’s apparent familiarity with the layout, leading to early suspicions of inside assistance. A Special Investigation Team later took over, with plans for fingerprint analysis, dog squad deployment, and examination of staff and visitors.
Months later, the investigation appears to have hit a wall of quietude. No arrests have been announced, and there have been no public updates on forensic findings, recoveries, or timelines. The royal family has maintained its traditional privacy, issuing no formal statements on the matter. Remaining valuables were shifted to safer locations on police advice, but broader communication has been minimal. This prolonged absence of information has sparked widespread discussion in Kerala.
Media coverage, prominent in the initial weeks, has tapered off significantly, with limited follow-up reports. Legal experts note that investigations involving private heritage properties can face unique challenges—exacerbated here by the delay in reporting. The lack of visible progress has prompted questions about transparency and accountability.
The Travancore royal family has historically played a significant role in Kerala’s cultural and temple traditions. The reported theft of generational heirlooms touches on deeper public interest in the protection of such assets. As the probe continues behind closed doors, many observers await concrete updates from authorities.
Whether fresh leads emerge or the case reaches a resolution remains uncertain. For now, the combination of a high-profile theft, limited official communication, and the selective nature of the items taken continues to keep the Kowdiar Palace incident alive in public conversations—highlighting the delicate balance between privacy and the public’s right to information on matters of heritage and security.
