The Sabarimala gold theft investigation has taken a significant turn with the apprehension of Unnikrishnan Potti, the alleged mastermind behind the misappropriation of sacred gold. Potti was taken into custody by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) following an extended period of questioning at the Crime Branch headquarters. This arrest represents the first major success in the ongoing probe into the theft of gold from key areas of the Sabarimala temple, specifically the guardian deity sculptures and the sanctum sanctorum’s entrance.
Two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) have been lodged against Potti, who is accused of posing as a donor to facilitate the removal of gold from the temple. A total of ten individuals are named in these FIRs, with Potti being the primary suspect in both. The estimated value of the misappropriated gold is 475 grams, equivalent to approximately 56 sovereigns. Investigators believe that Potti only utilized about three grams for the stated purpose of re-plating temple ornaments, allegedly absconding with the remainder. He is also accused of obtaining funds from two individuals in Bengaluru by falsely promising gold-plating services.
The investigation is now extending its reach to encompass senior figures within the Travancore Devaswom Board. Concerns regarding administrative oversights and potential collusion have placed these officials under suspicion. The sequence of events leading to this scandal dates back to a 2019 proposal concerning the re-plating of gold-covered copper sheets from the main shrine. A deliberate alteration in the official record, which expunged any mention of ‘gold,’ has cast a shadow of doubt over the integrity of the documentation process. The SIT is examining potential charges of gross procedural violations and abuse of authority against the Commissioner, Executive Officer, Administrative Officer, and Assistant Engineer.