Aswathi Thirunal Gouri Lakshmi Bayi has filed a formal complaint with the Peroorkada Police after discovering that a collection of priceless, heirloom jewellery, including rare gemstones and sacred artefacts, has vanished from the palace's inner chambers.

The theft, estimated to involve assets worth over ₹2 Crore, is believed to have taken place between October and November 2025. The Princess realised the items were missing in November, just as she was preparing for a trip to Bengaluru.

For the past four months, the palace was under a quiet, internal investigation. The royal family initially hoped the jewellery had been misplaced or taken by a relative for temporary use. However, after an exhaustive search across the palace grounds yielded no results, a formal police complaint was lodged.

What was stolen?

The stolen items are not just gold; they are symbols of the Travancore legacy, featuring designs that are impossible to replicate. According to the police complaint, the items missing include- Gold chains, rare pendant engraved with the image of Lord Padmanabha Swamy, necklace, Naga Padam set, gold bangles, coins, anklets and precious stones.

Investigation and security concerns

A team led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police has begun the investigation. As the theft occurred within the high-security zones of the Kowdiar Palace, investigators are examining CCTV footage from the palace and recording statements of employees as part of the probe.

The case was registered under Section 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for theft.

Kowdiar Palace is the official residence of the Travancore royal family, which ruled a vast portion of central and southern Kerala until Independence.