Prime Accused in Sabarimala Gold Theft Case Arrested: SIT Traces Key Links to Bengaluru and Chennai Firms
In a major breakthrough, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold theft case arrested Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused, from his residence in...
In a major breakthrough, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold theft case arrested Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused, from his residence in Pulimath early Thursday morning. He was taken to an undisclosed location in Thiruvananthapuram for detailed questioning, as investigators uncover a complex network behind the missing temple gold.
⚖️ Focus on Missing Gold from Sabarimala Shrines
The SIT is investigating the alleged theft of gold from the dwarapalaka (guardian) idols and kattilapadi (door-frame) structures of the Sabarimala temple. According to officials, Potti allegedly diverted portions of the temple’s gold to a Bengaluru-based associate, identified as Kalpesh. Investigators claim they have recovered “crucial leads” confirming this link, which could help trace how sacred assets were converted and moved out of Kerala.
🔍 Fresh Leads and Corporate Trail
In a parallel line of inquiry, the SIT is reviewing financial and work records from Smart Creations, a Chennai-based electroplating firm that was contracted for temple ornament maintenance. Investigators believe this firm may hold vital information about the gold used and potentially misappropriated during the plating process.
Officials privy to the investigation said that Potti’s phone had been switched off since Wednesday, leading to fears that digital evidence might have been destroyed or tampered with. Despite having faced questioning earlier by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) Vigilance, Potti had reportedly maintained inconsistent statements about the handling of temple ornaments.
🧾 Network of Officials Under Scrutiny
Potti is the first accused in one of two separate FIRs registered in the case. Other accused include several former Travancore Devaswom Board officials — Murari Babu (former administrative officer), S. Jayasree (former secretary), K.S. Baiju and R.G. Radhakrishnan (former Thiruvabharanam commissioners), D. Sudheesh Kumar and V.S. Rajendra Prasad (former executive officers), K. Sunil Kumar (assistant engineer), and S. Sreekumar and K. Rajendran Nair (former administrative officers).
The SIT is currently conducting file verifications at Sabarimala’s executive office to identify discrepancies in documentation and quantify the gold allegedly siphoned off. The Kerala High Court has directed the investigation team to complete this process within six weeks.
🏛️ Political Repercussions and Calls for Accountability
The case has triggered a sharp political backlash. Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar demanded the immediate resignation of Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan, alleging government inaction and complicity. He also warned that if the state fails to ensure transparency, the BJP would push for a CBI or Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe.
Chandrasekhar further called for the dissolution of the Travancore Devaswom Board, arguing that the scandal reflects systemic corruption and lack of oversight in temple administration.
🕉️ Background: A Temple of Faith and Controversies
Sabarimala, one of Kerala’s most revered shrines, has long been at the intersection of faith, politics, and administrative disputes. The temple, which manages substantial gold and donations annually, has faced past allegations of mismanagement and irregular accounting. The current probe, say experts, could redefine how temple assets are monitored across the state.
Legal analyst Adv. S. Arun Nair noted, “If proven, this case could lead to stricter auditing norms for temple trusts under the Devaswom Boards, and possibly the introduction of digital tracking for all donated gold.”